MTC Week #56 - Twists, Turns & Patterns

Putting on your Sherlock Holmes investigative gear, what do these five things I experienced in the last few days have in common?
1) watching Thomas lead his fellow teenagers out of a maze in "Maze Runner"
2) seeing a soccer ball go back and forth, this way and that way
3) memorizing music
4) a Jenkin Lloyd Jones quote, used by President Gordon B. Hinckley
5) finding out the company I'm employed at is having a layoffs soon

Those of you who are fairly bright and pick up on clues left for you (like reading the title of this blog), would conclude that all of these things relate to twists, turns, and patterns. Life seems to be full of these. It's truly ironic that as we try and stay on the "strait and narrow" path, the more twisty life sometimes becomes. The irony doesn't stop there though. In order to stay on the strait and narrow, we need the twists and turns. As we adhere to promises that are sure, gospel principles that don't change, and Christ who forged the strait path Himself, we'll navigate the twisty turns and find patterns that enable us to continue moving forward.

From #1, I learned that we can't give up. We need to face our fears, sometimes leave our comfort zones, and notice patterns of truth to help set us free.
From #2, I learned that what might be conceived as random "kicks and passes" may very well be patterns leading to "scoring a goal". 

From #3, I learned that it helps to actually look for the patterns. What can first appear to be disheartening and difficult can, as patterns are discovered, become easier and achievable. 
From #4, I was reminded that "Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”
From #5, both my dear wife and a good friend from choir reminded me that twists and turns in employment (should they happen), can lead to other doors and opportunities.

So what does this all have to do with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir experience this past week?  Well, aside from memorizing music, not too much I suppose. But there was one sentence in a piece we sang this morning that ties in very well with this theme. It comes from "The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare", and it says "to fertile vales and dewy meads, my weary, wandering steps He leads." God leads us all and He helps us navigate our twists and turns. And He will (if we allow Him) lead us to happiness each and every day.

Until next time, God be with you.

PS: Those of you interested in seeing our upcoming ACDA Concert on Saturday, February 28, can find details HERE. Tickets are available starting this Tuesday.