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Jefferson and Destiny

I care not for any theory that makes me an evolutionary end-product, a random accident of nature, or some kind of mutated monkey. We are the children of God, born of love, with purpose in our being. The day of our birth, our life’s mission and the day of our death is planned and prepared by our Heavenly Father (Acts 17:26). And all of His designs are for our greatest happiness (2 Nephi 26:24). Yet, sometimes we fail to recognize that the obstacles of our present course can be a shadowed pathway to greatness. And if we are not careful we may in our ‘kickings and flounderings” ruin Heaven’s plans for us. The Almighty has given us that privilege (2 Nephi 2:27).

This reminds me of a very talented young man, many years ago, who almost missed his eternal appointment. He was elected to Congress at the tender age of 32, becoming its second youngest member. Quickly he distinguished himself in what were then most turbulent times. Congress adjourned and he went home for much needed rest. While at home, tragedy struck his family. His 18 month-old daughter Jane suddenly died. Stricken with grief, he returned with heavy heart to his duties in Congress. His wife however, became very low until he begged leave to go home and care for her. He worried about her constantly. As he made preparations to return to Congress, his mother died unexpectedly at the age of 57. The weight of it all reduced him and he was incapacitated for weeks with terrible headaches.

Not long after he returned to Congress, he learned that his home state of Virginia was writing a new constitution. Considering that a work of greater import than anything happening in Congress, he wanted to be there. There was, perhaps, no man more qualified with truth and pen to contribute to such an undertaking. Though he tried to get himself called home to participate, no invitation was forthcoming. Reluctantly, he remained behind, worried about his ailing wife, but attentive to his duties.

And well for us that he did. You see within just a few weeks this junior member of Congress would be called on to speak for his country in her greatest national decision. He would write theses words,

These united colonies are and of a right ought to be free and independent states.

It was the Declaration of Independence. And that reluctant Congressman was Thomas Jefferson. No one in 1776, including Mr. Jefferson, had any idea how deeply his eloquence would change this world.

If ever I become too stubborn about where I want to be I may miss that choice position once ordained for me.