The Guidance of God

On my way home after early morning worship, I noticed a baby goose sitting in the middle of the road. That morning, I was especially tired and eager to return home and rest, but seeing the small goose alone on the dark roadway immediately filled me with concern. I turned on my emergency lights, pulled over to the side, and approached the goose to see if it was all right.

I tried to gently guide it toward the sidewalk, but contrary to my intentions, it became frightened, flapping its wings and running in the opposite direction. That was when I noticed it was limping on one leg. Realizing I could not leave it in such a dangerous spot, I first tried to calm it down. Then, carefully lifting it, I carried it across the road and placed it on the opposite side, where it would be safer.

As I drove away, I kept checking the goose in my side mirror. To my dismay, it had flown back onto the dangerous roadway. I realized then that I should have moved it to the grassy area near the water. The thought that it was still at risk would not leave my mind. Just as I was about to reach home, I turned the car around and headed back.

The baby goose was still limping in the middle of the road. I parked again with my emergency lights on, and tried once more to move it to a safer place, but it was so dark that I could barely see. Suddenly, a beam of light shone down onto the road, illuminating my surroundings as I carefully carried the goose to the grass near the water. The light came from a resident living on higher ground nearby, who was shining a flashlight down toward the street. Though I could not clearly see the person in the darkness, I looked in that direction, silently expressed my gratitude, and finally headed home.

As I drove home, it struck me that I was much like that injured baby goose—wandering on a dark road, the path of sin and death. Yet Heavenly Father and Mother searched for me, found me, and gently led me to Zion, the place of salvation. Along the path of faith, through difficulties and trials, Father and Mother never left me alone. They always guided me back to the right way. Even when I strayed toward a sinful path after having been brought to safety, They did not abandon me. With patience and tenderness, Father and Mother gently turned me back to Them, leading me once again to the place of refuge.

Father and Mother are always watching over us, laboring tirelessly to bring Their children safely to heaven, even at great personal sacrifice. I offer my heartfelt thanks to Father and Mother for allowing me to walk safely by Their side. I earnestly pray that our heavenly brothers and sisters who are still wandering will soon come to Father and Mother—who love them and patiently wait—so that together we may return to our eternal heavenly home.