The vision of the Tree of Life in the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 8) is full of beautiful symbolism. Much of the symbolism is explained by Nephi in the following chapters (1 Nephi 11).
I used to view the vision as a lifelong journey to partake of the precious fruit, which represents eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God (D&C 14:7). While it is a valid interpretation, I have found it more helpful to view it as the journey we take each week.
The Tree of Life represents Christ, which is the embodiment of God's love. It bears fruit that we partake of. Next to the tree, is the fountain of living waters which also represents the love of God (1 Nephi 11:25). Christ often referred to himself as living water (John 4:10), and the bread of life (John 6:35). And to help us remember Him, Christ instituted the sacrament where we partake of the bread and the water.
Every Sunday (except for Stake and General Conferences) we have the opportunity to come to the Tree of Life and partake of the precious fruit which is desirable above all else. We have the sacred privilege of partaking of the sacrament.
Each week is a journey to the Tree of Life. During that week, do we hold onto the rod of iron? Do we study the word of God daily? Viewing it as a 7 day journey suddenly makes each day more critical. Missing one day equals traveling 1/7 of the way without holding onto the rod, never knowing when the mists of darkness will appear.
Lehi saw 3 types of people. The first group never made it to the tree (1 Nephi 8:21-23). The second group made it, but cast their eyes about while partaking of the fruit and then they fell away (1 Nephi 8:24-25, 28). The third group made it to the tree, and fell down while partaking of the fruit (1 Nephi 8:30). Their full attention was on the fruit, and in gratitude, they fell down and worshipped God.
I have been in all three groups.
There have been some weeks that I did not make it to sacrament meeting when I was physically able to. Mists of darkness in various forms caused me to lose sight of the tree.
The have been many weeks where I was physically present for the Sacrament, but my mind was elsewhere. I was casting my eyes about.
And lastly, there are weeks where I fall on my knees and prepare to partake of the holy sacrament. Sacrament meetings where my mind is focused on my Savior and His Atonement. Weeks where I truly partake of the fruit, and it fills me with joy.
If we desire to never fall away, then we must strive to be in the third group, for they are the ones that never fell away. It's not always easy, especially if you have young children. But I have found it helpful in my life to think about which group I am in each week.
Each week is a new journey. May we hold fast to the iron rod, make it to the Tree of Life, and truly partake of the love of God.
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