Everyone that knows me knows how much I love the outdoors and the wildlife that God has created for us to enjoy. My relationship with God and my knowledge that He exists have been strengthened while fishing, camping, or hiking more than maybe any other place, except the temple.

Each year, we spend a few days camping in Yellowstone, where we love to look for bears, wolves, bison, moose, and any of the other amazing animals that roam the park. This summer, while driving to and around the park, our family listened to a documentary about the reintroduction of wolves back into Yellowstone in the 1990s. It was amazing to see God's hand in how all of His creations fit together to make up what we call this earthly life. We were blessed on that trip to see a wolf pack in the distance feeding on a bison carcass.

On another trip this summer, we took the kids to the beach. One of my favorite creatures to look for when snorkeling or walking the beach is sea turtles. While we didn't see any this trip, our little Jace decided he would try to be a baby sea turtle himself. As little turtles hatch on the beach, they head straight toward the water. Jace would do the exact same thing. We would place him 20 or 30 yards away, and within seconds he was headed into the water. This happened over and over again.

As I watched this, I began studying more about why baby sea turtles do this, and I learned a few things:

• They instinctively know they can get to the water by crawling toward the brightest horizon, where the starlight and moonlight reflect off the open water.

• They must make a mad dash to the ocean because there are many predators, such as birds, racoons, etc. on the beach. 

• They travel in groups and stay together to look bigger than they really are and deter predators lurking in the distance.

• Road and hotel lights can disorient them and cause them to go the wrong direction. Some never make it to the water. Others get stuck in man-made holes or become entangled in plastic garbage.

• Once in the water, they seek out seaweed to rest on. While they are away from coastal predators, there are still other dangers, and they use the seaweed as camouflage and protection.

• Unfortunately, only 1 in 1,000 sea turtles survives to adulthood.

As I studied these things, I couldn't help but notice the many parallels to our own journey through life:

• We were born with the Light of Christ and know that He is the light and the way. We must always look to Him and only to Him for truth and direction.

• There are many challenges in life, and even good things can sometimes distract us from what God would have us do. Social media, sports, activities, work, and many other things all have a place, but they do not bring the lasting happiness and joy that come through the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving others.

• We must find and stay close to people who lift us up and encourage us, and we must do the same for them.

• Living the gospel of Jesus Christ, along with our homes and His Church, provides places where we can be spiritually nourished, protected, and strengthened.

• As members of the Church, we know we must be different and use the Spirit to guide us each day. President Nelson taught, "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

Just as very few sea turtles ultimately make it to adulthood, the path back to our Heavenly Father is not always easy. But if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, stay close to Him, surround ourselves with good people, and endure to the end, He will guide us safely home.

I know these things are true and bear testimony that if we look to Christ in all we do and make decisions with Him always in mind, we will find joy and peace in this life and be prepared for what comes next.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.