Liz mentioned yesterday in our family blog that Gwen inadvertently locked us all out of the house. Fortunately, the problem was resolved fairly quickly. I keep thinking back to it, though, and two aspects in particular have really stuck with me.
First, I reflect on the contrasting emotions I witnessed in Gwen - just three months shy of her fourth birthday. I don't know what possessed her to leave the backyard for a split second, go into the house, turn the lock on the door handle, and immediately return to the backyard, closing the now-locked door behind her. We were understandably frustrated by this, and we expressed our feelings to Gwen in stern, unmistakable terms. Her childlike remorse came deeply and readily as she began to grasp the consequences of her little mistake. When Grandma Klingler discovered that the small window over our kitchen sink was miraculously unlocked, an attempt was made to hoist Gwen up and through the lofty opening. She was scared and refused to go at first. We urged her on and encouraged her, "Gwen, you can make this right. You can do this. We won't let you fall." Her countenance changed in an instant, and you could see this look of determination form on her face. She let go of my hand and slowly worked her way past the kitchen sink, lowering herself carefully from the high countertop down to the floor. Seconds later, we were all back inside the house, rejoicing together and praising Gwen for her tremendous courage and bravery. We told her she was our hero. Gwen was just beaming with excitement, joy, and happiness. She was so proud of herself.
I'm convinced that the remorse Gwen felt motivated her and helped her decide to be brave and strong. A simple principle was demonstrated yesterday: real courage is required to right one's wrongs. I thought of the blessings connected to the worthwhile but difficult undertaking of correcting a mistake - instant joy and welcomed relief. Alma the younger and the four sons of Mosiah came to mind. Their mistakes and poor choices resulted in many dire and destructive consequences for others. After their powerful, transforming conversion they traveled throughout the land "zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done." (Mosiah 27:35) It's not easy for people to admit when they're wrong, and it's even harder to go one step further by trying to undue the negative effects of one's words and actions. But it's possible, even for a small child, t0 succeed in this courageous endeavor. Mormon wisely and encouragingly points out, "And how blessed are they!" (Mosiah 27:37)
The second part of yesterday's experience that really stands out to me is the range of emotions I personally experienced. Realizing that every door to the house was locked. Discovering that every key I possessed lay within those walls, far from reach. Remembering that every window was tightly shut and secured (or so I believed at the time). Finding out that my cell phone was also trapped inside the home. It all caused me to feel so frustratingly helpless. I felt completely stuck and horribly powerless to correct or improve the situation for myself or for my family members. I needed help urgently. The sun would soon be setting. Stomachs would soon be growling with hunger. Children would soon be panicking and crying. I needed saving. I needed rescuing. I needed someone to free us from this undesirable situation.
I thought of the mission of Jesus Christ and of His great role in the Father's plan of salvation. He is the Savior - the only One with the power and ability to save individuals from the consequences of their sins. In a way, sinning is similar to getting locked out of the house. An impassable barrier is created, trapping the desperate child outside the walls of his heavenly home. The sinner is powerless to free himself from this fate and overcome this hindering obstacle. He needs saving. He needs rescuing. He needs One to free him and unlock the door.
Alma 42:12, 14
"And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience; ...
And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence."
2 Nephi 2:8
"Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life ..."
Christ willingly laid down His life for all mankind, and suddenly a way back into God's presence - our heavenly home - was created.
Hymn #174
For us the blood of Christ was shed;
For us on Calvary's cross he bled
And thus dispelled the awful gloom
That else were this creation's doom.
The law was broken; Jesus died
That justice might be satisfied,
That man might not remain a slave
Of death, of hell, or of the grave,
But rise triumphant from the tomb,
And in eternal splendor bloom,
Freed from the pow'r of death and pain,
With Christ, the Lord, to rule and reign.
Hymn #194
There is a green hill far away,
Without a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all.
We may not know, we cannot tell,
What pains he had to bear,
But we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.
There was no other good enough
To pay the price of sin.
He only could unlock the gate
Of heav'n and let us in.
Oh, dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
And trust in his redeeming blood,
And try his works to do.
I am grateful that the Savior, Jesus Christ, unlocked the gate by giving His life for all. I rejoice in the merciful and rescuing atonement, carried out lovingly "for us." I am humbled by the courage and the bravery He showed when He willingly righted the infinite wrongs of others, including my own. He stands as the greatest and truest hero. Loving Him, trusting Him, and trying to do His works demonstrates gratitude and prepares one for that anticipated moment when He will eagerly "let us in" to our heavenly home once again - to return to the presence of our loving Father.
