Turkish Delights

TURKEY. I hope I can come back to this incredible country many times during my life. Who knew one place could be so rich in beauty, culture, and history? My week in Turkey was stuffed with more incredible sights, smells, and experiences than I could possibly wrap my mind around. I am stunned we were able to do SO much and so grateful that I didn't miss a moment of it.... well except for passing out during long bus rides.

Bonfire dances on the beach, ferry rides while staring out at Istanbul, reenacting Acts 19 in the stadium at Ephesus where it ACTUALLY HAPPENED, and sitting on the floor of Hagia Sophia are only a handful of snapshots describing one of the most memorable weeks of my life. Every day I feel blown away by the concept that I am here, that I am lucky enough to be in this place and with these people.

Interestingly enough, the bus rides on this trip were very special to me. I want you to picture a bus full of students all peering over seats and curled up in aisles around their professor and asking him deep, doctrinal questions. Brother Harper spent hours doing this with us on many of our long drives. He is very careful to only discuss "what we know and HOW we know it" instead of speculating on doctrine that cannot be supported by the scriptures or latter-day prophets. I am continually impressed with his knowledge of the gospel. He will recite lengthy quotes and reference footnotes in verses found in all of the standard works. It is such a gift to be here with such remarkable professors. LOVE them all...even when they steal my camera and try to chuck me in the Dardanelles.

There was one idea that struck me with particular clarity while I was in Turkey. While wandering through the skeletons of cities, through the hollowed out rib cages of temples and palaces once pulsing with life and energy, I thought of the painting 'Desolation' in the art series 'Course of Empire' by Thomas Cole.

Even though empires and kingdoms rise and fall, princes and sultans reign and fade into history, the God of Heaven is constant and unchanging. To be consistent, dependable, and steady are God-like attributes. Humanity has been on a roller coaster where they love, quarrel with, and even go to war with each other. However, God's love for his people and the commandments he asks of them have been the same since the days of Adam and Eve.

Even though we have exchanged togas for jeans and bangles for ipods, the principles of heaven are unchanging now and through eternity. No matter what time we may have come in the course of human history or what region of the world we may have been sent to, we are all children of Heavenly Father striving to return to the God that gave us life.

It's easy to get caught up in the smaller and unimportant things in life. However, regardless of whether we are upset about who has the shiniest sword or who drives the priciest car, none of it really matters. When moss grows over the buildings and symbols we once thought were powerful and great, what will truly be significant in God's eyes?

That is a question that I asked myself as I wandered these crumbling cities of ghosts.

It's one act to see things, its another to see things as they really are.

Let's work toward the latter.  Have a great weekend!