"Learning the Lessons of the Past"

Could anyone else totally hear Elder Ballard's voice in your head while you were reading this talk? I loved how he tied being SLC's first (and last) Edsel dealer into the importance of listening to those who have gone before you, and particularly how he mentions the prophets and scriptures.

Sometimes when I'm reading about the Nephites or Lamanites and see that famous Pride Cycle creeping back up, I get so frustrated! "Can't you see what's happening?" I want to scream at my scriptures. Or I think "How could they do this again?" And yet, here we are, right in the middle of one of those Pride Cycles in our society today. And oftentimes, I've been right in the middle of the pride cycle in my own life...for example, coasting along while all was going right, getting lazy with my prayers and scripture study because things were going smoothly, then being compelled to be humble by "tougher" times. Hmmm, kind of makes you think, doesn't it?

I loved ~ LOVED ~ the part where he says this:

"The voice of the Lord is clear and unmistakable. He knows you. He loves you. He wants you to be eternally happy. But according to your God-given agency, the choice is yours. Each one of you has to decide for yourself if you are going to ignore the past and suffer the painful mistakes and tragic pitfalls that have befallen previous generations, experiencing for yourself the devastating consequences of bad choices. How much better your life will be if you will follow the noble example of the faithful followers of Christ such as the sons of Helaman, Moroni, Joseph Smith, and the stalwart pioneers -- and choose, as they did, to remain faithful to your Heavenly Father's commandments."

Hopefully we'll find joy, happiness and peace in the future by learning the lessons of the past, just as Elder Ballard suggests we do. What a great, motivating, "just do it!" kind of talk.