What a blizzard taught me

Last night, our daughter announced that she was going to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival and spend time at a friends cabin afterwards.

Immediately, Evan counseled her and warned her of the incoming storm system and the dangers it brings.
He was concerned for her safety, and only wanted what he knew was best for her. He wanted to keep her safe.
He advised her to change her plans, but reminded her that ultimately, it was here decision… she was an adult.

She continued with her plans and left, and we let her.

The text messages started at 3AM. It started with Evan suddenly waking up. He sent her a text to check in.
She and her friends just started on their way home.
It was snowing and very windy. There was concern.

We were relieved to know that prayers were offered and the most confident driver was at the wheel.
At the next check in, we decided it was important to get an idea as to where they were on the road.
This check point was to serve two purposes: 1] to know were they last were, just in case. 2] to know where they were so we could determine what they were heading into.
As soon as the first mile marker was seen and reported, we logged onto Commuter Link so that we could tap into the cameras that were posted as various points along the highway.
We were able to have a clear view as to what was ahead of them, and report back with calm reassurances.

We continued with our checkpoints until we all knew that they were fine and on a clear path home.
She arrived home safely, a little after 4 AM.

As I was returning back to sleep, what I realized was a testimony builder.
Just as Evan and I counseled our daughter, our loving Heavenly Father counsels us.
He provides us with His words from a living prophet.
He gives us commandments. To protect us, and to make us happy.
He is concerned for us and only wants what he knows is best for us.
He wants to keeps us safe from the dangers of mortal life’s storms.

He gives us our free agency and we are given the power to choose. And, if we choose wrong, he lets us.

It does not matter what choice we make, how deep in danger we are, we can communicate with our Father in Heaven, at ANY TIME. He will always listen, and he will always help… every step of the way. He is aware of what is on the path we are on and he will do all that He can to lead us back to safety. He wants us safely home.