How Blessed Are They Who Have Labored Diligently

Driving back to work in Idaho Falls after teaching my classes in Rexburg I listened to all of Jacob chapter 5. It's a long one. It took the narrator 21 minutes to read it. But listening to it all at one time I got a clearer understanding of the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees. I was impressed with the hard work and the caring of the lord of the vineyard and his servant over a long period of time in doing everything they could to save the olive trees. But what really struck me was verse 5 of chapter 6 where Jacob explains the allegory and he says, "And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard." I thought of so many of my family and love ones who have labored diligently and have indeed been blessed. I thought of my mother and father and their dedication to their Milwaukee Stake callings that often required them to travel a hundred miles to visit small branches throughout southeast Wisconsin, and how blessed they were for doing so. I thought of Sally and how for years she went week after week as part of the Relief Society presidency making visits to the sisters in the ward, truly caring about them, and what a rewarding experience that was for her. I thought of my children and their spouses and their service and dedication to their callings, and how I see them grow. I also see their children blessed with testimonies and the spirit in their homes. I thought back on the overwhelming spirit of joy I had when I fulfilled my mission, knowing I had given my all to the Lord for two years. Then I thought that part of "laboring diligently in his vineyard" meant not only magnifying church callings, but day to day diligence in scripture study, prayers, sharing the gospel and teaching and raising children. It's so amazing how one little phrase in the Book of Mormon can have such power to make a person reflect. It gives me motivation to always be diligent in laboring in the Lord's vineyard, knowing the promised blessings will come.