The Shortcut

Right in front of our house is a little path that I like to think of as an adventurous shortcut (it really doesn’t get us where we are going any faster, but I like it because it adds a little excitement to the day). When it rains (um…every day), 

little puddles are formed, making it a little bit more difficult to walk there. 

The other day as we decided to take "The Shortcut," 

and while we were walking, a little burst of inspiration came to my mind. 

This little path is a lot like our lives at times... so many puddles of distractions and trials that it is essential that we pay attention 

to where we are walking or else we will end up getting caught in the mud 

or left without an escape route. Sometimes, as we look to what seems to be the future, we are overwhelmed with feelings of "there is no possible way 

that I can walk this path" or "isn`t there another road I can take? One that keeps me from getting mud stained or one that is a little bit easier to walk". 

The beautiful message of the gospel is this: YES! 

There IS another path you can take. 

The Savior of the world has already walked that path for you. He already felt what it was like to be in your shoes and has experienced your trials. That is why we can trust Him 100% when He says that He has provided 

a path that will save us from the regrets of the so-called "shortcut." 

The prophet Nephi, from the Book of Mormon explained it like this: 

"Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord 

and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to 

eternal life..." (2 Nephi 31:17-18)

However, after we have stepped onto the right pathway, it doesn’t mean that we have reached our destination. The key is that we have to KEEP WALKING.

"And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay…

… Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, 

and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: 

Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31: 19, 20)

The pathway that we are shown that leads to happiness is not an easy one. 

It is straightforward and clear, and it requires a lot of effort on our part. 

But it is most definitely worth it. He has promised us everything if we can just walk a little bit longer with Him. 

And so, my invitation for you this week is that you find that pathway 

and follow it. Step forward with faith, trusting that He will lead the way. 

I know this Gospel is the only way to return to Him. 

He loves us, and for that reason He sent us here. 

Con mucho amor, Hermana Jones