Building RealtionSHIPS that Endure

I may not know a lot about building strong relationships, but today during my studies I had my eyes opened. I was reading in the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi 17 where Nephi is commanded to build a ship. There were certain things that stood out to me about this situation that hadn't before. I learned a lot about how to build a strong relationsSHIP with those around us that can carry us over oceans a turmultous seas to make it to the promised land, eternal happiness with our Father in Heaven.

SHIPS need to start with an individual faith in Jesus Christ.

Nephi had a relationship with the Lord and was commanded to build a ship to carry his family to the promised land. We first need to have a knowledge and faith individually of our Savior. The ship was not built until the whole family was on board and knew it was a commandment. This is just like our own realtionships. We need to have a individual knowledge and then come together.

SHIPS need to be built upon obedience to the Lord's Commandments

Okay, they got around to building the ships and "worked the timbers in a curious workmanship". This is referring to the fact that a ship like they were building probably hadn't been made before. We need to be obedient, ever if it seems odd, to every commandment. This will help us to build strong relationships upon the eternal principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not the ever-changing principles taught by the world. This includes being faithful, loving God, and serving one another.

SHIPS need to be built in times of peace to be able to endure times of trials.

Yes, trials bring us closer together. But the Lord didn't ask Nephi and his family to build a ship in times of trials. They were in a land they called "Bountiful", which is to say they were not at want for much. They built the ship, strengthened it, worked together, and only then was it able to carry them to where the needed to go. Building and fortifying our relationships in times of peace will help us to endure times of trials. If we only build these realtionships during trials, then we will be setting ourselves up for failure. We have to strengthen, fortify, and live to make sure that our relationships are ready for anything and have the ability to endure.

These principles seem simple, but I have never been so struck by this story before. I encourage you to read it and see what principles you can apply to strengthen your own relationships. I know that when true gospel principles are applied, you can build, strengthen and fortify all relationships in your life, especially the one with your Father in Heaven and with your Savior, Jesus Christ. You, just as Nephi and his family, will build a ship that can carry your through all the trials and tribulations you may face to be able to reach the promised land of eternal happiness where these relationships can go on forever.

I know this to be true!

I love you all!
Love, 

Sister Mackenzie Esmond