Snow Fences

 

Snow fences are a familiar site along the interstates and other roadways in the plains and especially the West.  

As we were driving by them, it occurred to me that to someone unfamiliar with their purpose who was traveling in July it may seem like a foolish waste of materials. 

Snow fences are built in such a way as to both keep the roadways more clear of snow and ice but also to divert the blowing snow to optimal places.  They may try to have the excess snow drift into hollows to later provide snow melt moisture.  

They don't stop the snow, they divert it.  

But they have to be constructed properly for that to happen. They have to be set in precise positions.  

Sometimes I think I become overwhelmed at the dizzying impossibility of stopping evil and difficulties when I may just need to build the needed fences.  

This will involve following commandments and counsel that I may not fully understand.  It might be that I'm in a summer season where that doesn't make sense.  But wise Heavenly Parents and leaders seeking their guidance have seen the coming snow.  They know.  

Snow fences cost only 1/100th of the expense of clearing and moving snow after it has fallen and drifted on highways.  Following the prophet is equally wise and will save us from pain and difficulty.  Not eliminate it of course, but at least shield us from some of the worst.

Elder Neil A Anderson gave this apostolic promise, "The prophet’s voice, while spoken kindly, will often be a voice asking us to change, to repent, and to return to the Lord. When correction is needed, let’s not delay. And don’t be alarmed when the prophet’s warning voice counters popular opinions of the day. The mocking fireballs of annoyed disbelievers are always hurled the moment the prophet begins to speak. As you are humble in following the counsel of the Lord’s prophet, I promise you an added blessing of safety and peace."

What fences do I need to work on building now, even in this summer of my life?