The Importance of Being Ernest

I think this nineteen-second piece of fine cinema is one of the more apt metaphors for my life:

You and me both, Ernest. You and me both. Sigh.

Scriptural Discussion

Nephi: O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?

Daniel: I don't know, Nephi. I've been wondering that same thing myself. I'm ridiculously blessed and I've had an astounding array of incredible spiritual experiences. My life is littered with witnesses of God's unending love and power, and yet... I'm depressed. I can't seem to feel happy. I was hoping you would have some answers.

Nephi: But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

Daniel: Yeah, I read my scriptures every morning. I love the scriptures. I would be completely lost without the scriptures. And I avoid a lot of misery by keeping the commandments, and I have these wonderful spiritual experiences here and there, but I can't seem to learn how to be happy day by day. 

Nephi: Receive the Holy Ghost; it will show unto you all things what ye should do.

Daniel: The Holy Ghost will teach me how to be happy?

Nephi: Yea.

Daniel: He hasn't told me what to do to be happy again yet.

Nephi: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

Daniel: No. Whenever I do that I just get up from my knees without any idea what to think or do.

Nephi: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your heart? Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

Daniel: Yes, I remember that. I guess I just don't believe that God will actually respond to me. It's hard to trust that all these unseen things go on. I'd much rather just watch TV, distract myself with music and WAY TOO MUCH food, and get sympathy from friends through comments in response to my passive and veiled facebook status updates about being miserable. 

Nephi: I do not know the meaning of all things, yet I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh.

Daniel: Sure, but you're NEPHI. Of course YOU know that. It feels like there is less hope for me. 

Nephi: You that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day.

Daniel: Wait, don't leave. I'm sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect and obviously I don't want to be condemned at the last day. I want to partake of the goodness of God. Really, I do. I just feel lost. I'm sad, confused, tired, and I don't know what I'm doing with my life. 

Nephi: I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray.

Daniel: I don't know. It just seems like there should be a better answer. Something more concrete, you know?

Nephi: I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

Daniel: Hey, before you go, can I at least get a picture taken with you?

Nephi: Fine. But I'm not going to smile or set down these tongs.