Continued Understanding

It's been a while since I've updated my blog, but I wanted to continue it, even though my class has ended. I'm in a new class now called Eternal Families. You can probably guess what it's about. I have been reading multiple talks a week-sometimes a day-about families and the different roles of those in the family. Recently I read a talk from one of our late apostles, Elder Boyd K. Packer. He shared a parable that I'd like to share here:

              “Once a man received as his inheritance two keys. The first key, he was told, would open a vault which he must protect at all cost. The second key was to a safe within the vault which contained a priceless treasure. He was to open this safe and freely use the precious things which were stored therein. He was warned that many would seek to rob him of his inheritance. He was promised that if he used the treasure worthily, it would be replenished and never be diminished, not in all eternity. He would be tested. If he used it to benefit others, his own blessings and joy would increase. 22. The man went alone to the vault. His first key opened the door. He tried to unlock the treasure with the other key, but he could not, for there were two locks on the safe. His key alone would not open it. No matter how he tried, he could not open it. He was puzzled. He had been given the keys. He knew the treasure was rightfully his. He had obeyed instructions, but he could not open the safe. 23. In due time, there came a woman into the vault. She, too, held a key. It was noticeably different from the key he held. Her key fit the other lock. It humbled him to learn that he could not obtain his rightful inheritance without her. 24. They made a covenant that together they would open the treasure and, as instructed, he would watch over the vault and protect it; she would watch over the treasure. She was not concerned that, as guardian of the vault, he held two keys, for his full purpose was to see that she was safe as she watched over that which was most precious to them both. Together they opened the safe and partook of their inheritance. They rejoiced for, as promised, it replenished itself. 25. With great joy they found that they could pass the treasure on to their children; each could receive a full measure, undiminished to the last generation. 26. Perhaps some few of their posterity would not find a companion who possessed the complementary key, or one worthy and willing to keep the covenants relating to the treasure. Nevertheless, if they kept the commandments, they would not be denied even the smallest blessing. 27. Because some tempted them to misuse their treasure, they were careful to teach their children about keys and covenants.

28. There came, in due time, among their posterity some few who were deceived or jealous or selfish because one was given two keys and another only one. “Why,” the selfish ones reasoned, “cannot the treasure be mine alone to use as I desire?” 29. Some tried to reshape the key they had been given to resemble the other key. Perhaps, they thought, it would then fit both locks. And so it was that the safe was closed to them. Their reshaped keys were useless, and their inheritance was lost. 30. Those who received the treasure with gratitude and obeyed the laws concerning it knew joy without bounds through time and all eternity. 31. I bear witness of our Father’s plan for happiness, and bear testimony in the name of 32. Him who wrought the Atonement, that it might be, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

    I love this parable. It gives a very vivid picture to gender roles and why they are important. As a man and a woman, we need each other to open new ways of life and new blessings.

     I have recently gotten married myself. In reading this parable I realize how true and accurate it is. Marriage teaches us to care for and cherish someone else besides ourselves. It's a very selfless duty. Marriage is very much give and take. But you have to learn when and how and what to give. Your spouse's needs become the most important priority in your life. Their happiness reflects your own.

    That is one thing that I couldn't completely comprehend before I got married-the joy of being married. By following God's commandments and being worthy of His blessings, we can enjoy the joy He promises. But we have to avoid being like the people in this parable who try and change God's plan or warp it. God's plan is put in place for our BENEFIT. He wants us to be happy. The only person to keep us from the promised blessings of happiness in marriage is ourselves.