Me Thinks

1 Nephi 8:10-12 "And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.  And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.  And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy."

1 Nephi 8: 24 "And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree."

I have been thinking about the tree and the fruit.  The reference above suggests that you partake of the fruit after you have "pressed forward through the mists of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron," denoting a long period of time. Yes, I agree that there are some blessings you have to wait for, after much "pressing forward," but there are a multiplicity of blessings that are available to enjoy along the way, right now! The gospel is rewarding as you live it, not just at the end of a long life, or journey. 

For example, here are some of the fruits I enjoy right now:

1. The fulness of the gospel has been restored with priesthood power on the earth, a living prophet, temples, ordinances and covenants.

2. The Holy Ghost. "Promptings from the Spirit help us face our daily needs and show us what to do and say." (Elder Stevenson)

3. Spiritual power. I feel power as I strive to be obedient, attend the temple, fast, pray, take the sacrament, and am diligent in my personal worship habits. "I receive the sanctifying, strengthening power of Jesus Christ which allows me to become a new person, to overcome the impossible." (Elder Costa)

4. Forgiveness and Repentance. "Anything broken can be mended from Jesus Christ." (Elder Godoy)

5. I can experience a bit of heaven with my family. I can feel joy and peace.

6. God's love (the fruit of the tree) can be felt all along the way. The grace and power of the Atonement are meant to affect and lift us all along our earthly journey. 

7. There are multiple gifts of the Spirit that God is happy and willing to bestow.