At the end of November, life became overwhelming for Wilson. He got on a greyhound bus and rode until they told him to get off. For the next couple of weeks he wandered; staying in homeless shelters and on the street. He spent most o his time hungry, cold and lonely. Wilson was angry that he couldn't come live in our home where he could be warm, fed and safe, but that kind of help doesn't help Wilson become an independant successful man. When he finally reached out to us, we extended an offer. We would help him with his rent so he could have a place to live. He could always come and get food from our pantry. He was always loved and part of our family. Wilson would need to go back to work, communicate with the people who love him and can help, and try again.
While studying the Abrahamic Covenant I was wrestling with the promises God makes of property posterity and priesthood power. These promises just didn't seem either motivating or relevant. Then I shifted my paradigm. I focused less on the promises as a reward, and more as God's desire to fulfill my deepest human needs. Instead of focusing on specific property, I saw God offering me a protected place, a location of belonging, a home. Instead of focusing on family-defined posterity, I saw God offering me a people, a community of belonging. Instead of focusing on the overwhelming responsibility of priesthood power, I saw God offering me purpose.
When I feel overwhelmed with life like Wilson was, I hope the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant bring me home. As a covenant keeper, I agree to go to work every day, keep communicating with God, and try again (repent). What he offers me is a protected place, a people and purpose.
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