The Greater View Book Series

In 1st Nephi 2: Nephi observes that his father is “filled with the spirit”.

In 1st Nephi 5 Nephi tells us his father Lehi was “filled with joy”.

These two phrases give us a “Greater View.”

I have found that these two feelings often go hand in hand.

Let me share with one experience I had a few weeks ago where I was filled with both the spirit and joy.

My son is on a mission in Peru.

Like any missionary parent, the second greatest gift we receive at Christmas is a Skype visit with our missionary sons or daughters.

My wife and I and our children were able to speak with our son for 45 minutes.

It was 45 minutes of being filled with joy.

It truly was an unforgettable experience.

His desires, his countenance, his love, his goodness, his happiness, his words, his godliness was so evident.

At the end of 45 minutes after many questions and much conversation: my wife and I wanted to share a few last words with him.

My wife started, but soon she was too overcome by the spirit to speak.

I attempted to speak and was completely overcome with emotion, with love, and with the spirit.

I muttered out some choked up words of our love for him and our righteous pride in his faithful service.

I was full. Full of joy, full of love, full of the spirit.

It was a powerful moment. We then said good-bye.

It was 45 minutes that was beyond precious. It was 45 minutes where, like Lehi, we were “filled with joy & filled with the spirit.”

I am grateful the spirit can “fill us” through righteous principles, righteous children, tender mercies, powerful experiences and in many other ways.

This is one of the Greater Views the Lord was speaking of when he referenced the Book of Mormon.

You can learn you have The Greater View in your life as well!