We've recently been through the season of trekking and remembering the Mormon pioneers.
My husband and I recently returned from our stake's trek at Martin's Cove, Wyoming, where members of the Martin Company took shelter.
This was our second opportunity as a "ma" and "pa," and it is always a powerful experience. While the itinerary was much the same as before, what I learned was different from last time — much like rereading the Book of Mormon and finding new insights, I suppose.
The overall theme for me was best spoken by Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley when she said, "Oh, how we need each other." Over and over through simple experiences, I was taught how important each one of us is — how we each have an integral part to play.
The first lesson began before we left. While a dear friend of mine was completing last-minute preparations, she felt compelled to search out as many cures for a toothache as possible and put them in her bucket. Her husband lightheartedly teased her about bringing the kitchen sink as well.
Early the next morning, my friend found out why she felt she needed to bring those supplies. A tearful mother came with the news that her daughter had woken up with an abscessed wisdom tooth and she worried about her being able to go. Thanks to the heeded prompting, we had what was needed and the young woman was able to come.
The second experience came at the end of the first day. One young woman's grandmother had taken special care to sew a dress for her to wear on trek. During the day, a mishap had caused a large tear in the back of her dress. There happened to be a small sewing kit with my first-aid supplies. Not only were we able to fix the dress, but we also had the right color of blue thread to match. A tender mercy indeed.
At the end of the second day, after a long day of trekking, we were given permission to wade and play in the river. The water felt good after such a hot, dusty day. While enjoying the refreshing dip, one of the adults from our ward lost his prescription glasses in the water. We thought for sure they were gone forever. Another man in our group, however, was doggedly determined. He helped sift through the area on his hands and knees. After about an hour, the glasses were found.
There were other instances, too. One young woman had thought to bring a big bottle of aloe vera, much to the relief of many members of the group. Another time, we were sitting around waiting for our call to dinner when some of the youths organized impromptu games that gave us all a chance to laugh and make great memories.
These combined experiences made me think of the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 46:11-12: "For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby."
That is what our trek experience taught me. We are all needed. We all have something to contribute. Like the pioneers, if we work together, we will all successfully reach our journey's end.
Cindi Putnam is a Wyoming native and an adopted Utahn. She is a stay-at-home mother of six. Her email is putputjp@ubtanet.com.