The plane was getting ready to land in Florida.
During the final approach in the dark night, the pilots noticed that a small green light had turned off. (This light indicated if the landing gear had extended successfully.)
The pilots called off the landing and circled around for a bit, completely focused on this little green light.
Gradually, the plane circled lower and lower.
But the pilots didn’t notice.
They were still focused on the green light.
When a crew member realized how close they were to the swamplands, it was too late, and over 100 people tragically died as they crashed to the ground.
After recovery crews found the airplane, they discovered that the landing gear was working perfectly.
The little green light was the only thing that had malfunctioned.
The accident happened because the pilots turned their attention to something that seemed to matter a lot in the moment.
But they lost sight of what actually mattered the most.
Lehonti and his people were firm and steadfast in staying at the top of their mountain.
Until Amalakiah became really annoying and really persistent.
Imagine if Lehonti had refused to move even after the 4th request, and stayed firm in his vision that the mountain would be his safety.
As Latter-day Saints, we have some pretty lofty and solid commitments to do what is right.
And then, everyone keeps talking about that TV show that you know wouldn’t be the best for you to watch…
And everyone keeps posting those types of articles and comments on social media…
And your friend keeps bringing that same subject up over and over…
They seem so important and so relevant. So persistent. Like a little green button, like an important army leader requesting a meeting.
And sometimes, they ARE important issues to address.
But when we put our whole focus there, we lose sight of what matters most:
Our relationship with our loving God and Savior.
So when we feel that urge to just take a step down the mountain, we can remember:
I am doing a great work. And I cannot come down.
(Story adapted from Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk in April 2009)
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
As a pilot I am always saddened by this incident. I know that I sometimes get distracted by “things” in my life, as I think we all do, but keeping my head up and looking ahead, I keep things in perspective. Thank you for sharing your spiritual experiences.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! <3