Zip Ties and Bungi Chords

Years ago, while camping, I was able to relax on a rock and observe an off road event unfold. As the day progressed, and I watched the different vehicles go by I was struck by, yes even amused with the similarities that existed between this 4 X 4 outing and Gospel Principals. I was sitting on a rock watching a wide variety of machines coming up the hill, the last leg of a very long grueling trail known as the "Sierra Trek". Now some of these rigs were very well equipped and ready for the challenge, although many did not end the ordeal without incident or need for repair. As the participants would call it, "Carnage" to the vehicle was a common occurrence. Some vehicles approached with great care, taking time to make each foot pass with discretion. Others came barreling up the hill as if there was no way they would fall to the hazards of the course. I watched with horror as one truck almost flipped from front to end over backwards. There were those along the trail watching that cheered and screamed in delight at the danger under way. Encouraging the driver without regard to the damage befalling the vehicle or danger to the driver. Others, more concerned, attempted to help in whatever way they could with advice or "hands on" help, pushing being the most prevalent.

Several hours into the experience, I was surprised to see what, by standard previously seen, was a quite common street jeep without much of the special off-road equipment to aid it in the journey. It came up the hill, making the sharp turn, bumping, thumping, and scraping up the last incline. As the dust flew, the engine roared, and the wheels spun. Again, direction and encouragement came from those along the trail. With one last roar of the engine, the little jeep seemed to leap over the boulders on the trail. As it cleared what seemed to be the last obstacle, cheers rose up until a large crash was heard. But the vehicle was now paralyzed literally ten feet from the trails rough end. The front wheel of the jeep laid detached and lodged under the frame of the vehicle, now blocking the trail. Immediately the trail supervisors were on the radio, notifying those concerned that a vehicle was broken down on the trail and in need of assistance. As I approached the broken vehicle, my eye caught a bright yellow strap that seemed to holding a piece of the front axle assembly in place..

 Closer inspection revealed several zip ties holding together other parts attache to the axle assembly. I came to find out that further back on the trail, the axle assembly had broken and "trail mechanics" had patched it back together with the bungi chord and zip ties, expecting it would last until the driver could return back to the main camp and better repairs could be made. I was amazed the temporary fix had held so well given the grueling nature of the trail, and in fact had not failed nor was part of the breakdown now being experienced by the driver. In a matter of minutes the "trail mechanics" arrived again and devised a way to jerry-rig the broken wheel so yet again the jeep could make it back to camp. The job was not easy, many necessary tools or parts were not available. However, due to the driver having some of the tools needed, the "trail mechanics" having other tools, and with the cooperation of and with the assistance of the "trail mechanics" a difficult situation was managed and the broken jeep was able to make it back to camp where it was able to get additional help and finish the necessary repairs to compete the journey back home.

In the hope that you will ponder the significant points of the experience I have related to you, I will not expound any further, but encourage you to evaluate how you may have, or may not have assisted your families on their trail of life. I promise you that if you do so, with an open mind, including prayer, the Holy Ghost will revel to you your standing in this important assignment and calling, allowing you as a brother, sister, parent or fellow church member to apply as necessary, the needed fix--zip tie or bungi chord, so the finish line can be crossed.