BOTH SIDES OF THE BLESSING

I am watching General Conference, and just heard something that I have never thought of before concerning genealogy and temple work. 

We do a great service to those who have passed on when we go to the temple and do holy work for the dead.  But, when we diligently seek out our own family history, prepare and submit names to TempleReady, and go to the temple to do the work for our own family member, only then are we able to receive 'both sides of the blessing.' 

Marcus B. Nash spoke about a climb he took in Peru up to the summit of Wayna Picchu.  Wayna Picchu rises above Machu Picchu, and is an unfinished fortress.  The climb is steep and treacherous, and many climbers have lost their lives attempting the climb.  I had the 'pleasure' of climbing this great summit myself with my son following his mission, served in Peru.  Only 200 hikers are allowed through the gates each day, and warnings are given before the climb is attempted.

I was amazed at the variety of hikers going through those gates.  There were elderly people who seemed to have difficulty in walking.  There were people of all nationalities in native garb, including a middle aged couple from India.  The man had on a white shirt and tie, and the woman was in full dress and heels.  There were young parents with toddlers, as well as obviously experienced hikers.  We even saw a young man in a leg cast) who passed us [me] up about halfway up the mountain).

From Machu Picchu, this is what Wayna Picchu looked like that morning.  (If this were a TV movie, we'd be hearing scary, ominous music in the background as this image was panned, and it would be accurate.)

I'll admit that my son guilted me into walking through that gate.

Some of the climb was on hiking paths, and while steep, they were manageable.  But most of the climb was up rock at a very steep incline, twisting, turning, and scaling the side of a wild mountain.  The only safety net provided were thick steel cables to grab onto while attempting to find toe and finger holds.  Here's a picture of one of the easier sections:

When we finally reached the summit, the view was unimaginable - breathtaking.  The climb had been worth the effort, and the reward overwhelming.  The tiny buildings below are actually the massive fortress city of Machu Picchu.

"The climb through mortality is steep and morally dangerous.  Faith is like the cables that assist climbers on Wayna Picchu and if firmly anchored to the Savior, we can reach the summit safely. Faith brings us the power of the Lord... and divine protection in spiritual and temporal matters."