I served in the Chile, Antofagasta mission. It is located in the driest part of the world, the Atacama desert. Although it was in a desert, every night I was able to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean. As beautiful as the sunsets were, the people were most beautiful. I was able to enjoy their food and culture and their love for the Savior.
I met a stake president in Antofagasta and found out that among his many hobbies he was an artist and works in copper. He created an art piece and entered it into the church’s international art competition and won an award, it is entitled “Sweeter than all Sweetness” and depicts the Tree of Life that Lehi had seen in a dream. Since winning, members and missionaries had requested the same piece form him, as did I. It is now a treasure of mine and hangs in my home as a reminder of my mission and of the sweetness that is offered to us all.
This week we read as a family what Nephi was shown in vision when he asked the Lord to show him what his father saw. An angel showed him the events of Jesus’s life 600 years before they happened; His birth, baptism, calling of apostles, miracles, teachings, atonement, death and resurrection. Showed that He condescended from the presence of the Father to a lowly and humble state on earth.
All through Jesus’s life he was classified in the lowest of society and circumstances, He did this to know how to succor His people. That is all Jesus does, he loves the children of God and came to this earth to die and atone for our sins so we all can overcome death and be resurrected and overcome sins to be able to dwell in the presence of the Father.
All that Lehi and Nephi saw represents the Savior. The rod of iron is the word of God that guides us through the darkness to find truth in this world. The straight and narrow path leads not only to the tree but way from the danger of being swept into the river and being drowned. They both lead to the tree of life and away from the great and spacious building.
Each time I see the beautiful copper depiction of the tree of life it reminds me of the sweetness Heavenly Father promises us as Jesus beckons us to follow Him.
Love this piece of artwork and have enjoyed seeing it pop up several times in my studies of the Tree of Life. I think I love it even more because it reminds me of your missionary service.