This is not our only chance

Here we are nothing, but here we want everything, because we think this is our only chance. ~ Hugh Nibley

When I read this recently, I thought it was excellent, because it describes perfectly what people do in this world so much of the time. Either not knowing or forgetting that this is one act of our existence, people think they need to fit everything in to now, including all the experiences they desire, the things they want to learn, all the accolades they want to get, and their final goals for who they want to be. This leads to a sort of mad dashing about, thinking you need to experience/do/have everything you feel a curiosity or passion for. Which isn’t a good thing, because although some or many of those things might be good ones, trying so desperately or even avidly to pursue and get them takes you away from what you’re really here for: to find and follow Christ and your better nature until you become more of who you’re meant to be. And that’s not by frantically pursuing all these things you think will make you happy, but by following Him. Christ will make us happy, because coming to Him reveals to and in us increasing capacity for joy and wisdom. We are meant to become eternally happy, and only eternal things can do that for us.

It’s impossible to experience everything you desire in this life. There’s not enough time, and usually not enough money, besides your actual capacity. So don’t try. Not because you should give up your hopes and dreams, but because by seeking what is truly valuable, you will come to have everything you want and need – but not right now. Part of the key is that our desires change as we mature; the more you understand about God, yourself and existence, the purer your desires will become. And the more they will align with God’s purposes. Although our lives here are extremely important – let’s say it’s 50% of what determines our eternal destiny (the other 50% already happened), it’s still not everything. There’s an eternity beyond this, and within it more than we can imagine. Here, we must become humble, recognise our utter dependence on God, give up our other desires, and focus our efforts and hearts on Him and His purposes. By doing that, we will gain everything. Joy, purpose, wonders, capacity, beauty and love our mortal hearts cannot even dream of.