Lizards

 Most of the United States would not be surprised to learn that in most of the nation, we are in the midst of a cold snap.

I just saw on the news that in Ft Myers, Florida the lizards are falling from the trees.

It’s literally raining lizards (much more likely than cats and dogs since they are cold-blooded)!

However, do not be dismayed. 

They aren’t dead, they have been cold shocked.

There is no longer enough heat for them to maintain their holds on their perches.

When they are once again warmed and their metabolism restarts, they will be able to return to their normal activity.  

As we prepare to watch the funeral of Elder Jeffery R Holland this afternoon, his message about it never being too late or too far from the reach of Christ reminds me of these lizards.

Sometimes, when through our own choices or the physical trials of mortal bodies, the warmth and light of the Holy Spirit dims, it can lead us to be spiritually “cold shocked” and we let go of the Iron Rod and fall. 

When we see this happen to those we love it can be devastating as we fear spiritual death.  

Instead, with bright hope, we can trust in the words of this apostle.  “However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”

It is true for you, it is true for me, it is true for each and everyone of us.

And when we encounter the warmth and love of others, we can be led to our personal Road to Damascus encounter with the Savior of the world.  

And as that spiritual fire returns, so too, does our spiritual light and life as we once again begin the climb.