FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Prone to Wander

"The story is told of two outdoor enthusiasts who hired a bush plane to fly them to a remote lake for their annual fishing trip. Following a successful outing, the pilot returned to retrieve them. However, he quickly informed the fishermen that his small plane would not support them, their equipment, and the added weight of the fish they had caught. A second flight would be required.

Now, the sportsmen were not interested in paying for a second round-trip. So after a promise to pack tightly and a small bonus payment, the pilot reluctantly agreed to attempt the flight.

The fishermen grinned knowingly as the pilot forced the aircraft into the air. However, seconds later the plane stalled and crashed into a large, flat swampy area at the end of the lake.

The plane had stalled as it flew because of a well-known phenomenon called “ground effect.” Ground effect is created when air is compressed between the aircraft’s wings and the earth’s surface—when they are in close proximity. In this case, as the bush plane inched its way upward out of ground effect, it was required to fly on its own power, which it simply could not do.

Fortunately there were no serious injuries, and after regaining their senses, one of the fishermen asked the other, “What happened?” The second replied, “We crashed on takeoff—about a hundred yards (91 m) from where we ended up last year!” (Bruce A. Carlson, "When the Lord Commands," Ensign, May 2010)

I love this little story! Like these silly fishermen, I often expect different results when I try the same thing. . . over and over and over! Sometimes, I even find myself cycling through my level of commitment to the Savior. Why would I ever leave His side, even for a moment, after all that I know? Or why would I ever doubt that His promises are sure? I love that even as I wander (but never waver), He never gives up on me. He is always there, waiting for me to remember how much I truly need His love, example, and the Atonement in my life.

I love the hymn, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing!" The music is breathtaking, and the lyrics move something inside of me:

"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it:
Prone to leave the God I love!
Here's my heart, Oh, take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above!"
I am eternally thankful for His mercy, understanding, and CONSTANCY. He is, as President Hinckley often noted, like the North Star. We are never truly lost whenever He is found in our thoughts and in our hearts.