So this week, my Book of Mormon class was by far one of the most mind blowing spiritual classes I have ever been in. These professors of religion really know what they are talking about. I gained a lot of insight throughout the class but there is one thing I would really like to talk about that specifically touched my heart. 

In 1 Nephi 8 in the Book of Mormon, we read about a vision which the prophet Lehi had. In this vision, he beheld the Tree of Life. He talks about seeing various things in this vision, but the thing I would like to focus on specifically is the rod of iron. In 1 Nephi 8: 19-20 it reads, "And I beheld a rod of iron and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood. And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, Which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large  and spacious field, as if it had been a world." 

Now it is important to note that the river ran right next to the rod of iron. This river was like unto the depths of hell. We as children of God may wonder why He would put the rod so close to that river. Did He want us to suffer? Did He hope we would fall in? The answer is, of course not. These are purely symbolic. God knows that we are all human. No one is perfect and it is because no one is perfect that God sent Jesus Christ to die for us. God knows that everyone will spend some time in that river, and he leaves the rod close enough that we can grab back onto the rod and continue on the strait and narrow. 

I would like to bare my testimony that God knows us and loves us, and he wants us to come back to him. I am grateful for that knowledge and I hope you all recognize and appreciate it as well.