A Simple Parable?

I would have to say that one of my weaknesses in this life is an understanding of the fact that I truly understand very little. I would like to understand all, but unfortunately I have only grazed the surface of life's many mysteries thus far. One of the things I love to do is to learn, especially the type of learning that goes really deep. My favorite classes in college were the institute classes I took that taught from the scriptures in depth. We once spent two days on the parable of the Good Samaritan. I learned more than I thought there was to learn about that parable, and now those pages in my scriptures are filled with notations. So much so that one would have a hard time deciphering them I am sure! The parable in general took on a whole new meaning for me when I was 21 years old and heard Jenny Phillips CD: "The Parables." I heard this at a time in my life where I was struggling. Not so much with my own testimony, but with my faith concerning my role in God's Plan. Does that make sense? Anyways, I heard those songs and developed a testimony of what the Parables have to teach us and how I can personally apply them to my life. I even put together a fireside with other young adults from my stake where we performed those songs for the youth. It was amazing. I remember thinking to myself that I would never find another thing that could deepen my testimony of the parables more. Of course, as usual, whenever I think those things I am blessed to learn more.

This past fall I was looking online, mostly wasting time, and stumbled upon "The Ten Virgins." I mostly bought it because of the artists that were involved with it. I honestly wasn't prepared for what blessings would then enter my life. I cried the first time I heard the whole CD, I was so moved by the Spirit. I had heard the talks in General Conference about the Virgins representing righteous people who simply were prepared or not prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom. It was easier I guess to dismiss that and think that the 5 foolish were 5 wicked. That way I could always mentally categorize myself as a "wise virgin." Not so, I have learned. Last night I was blessed to be able to participate in a presentation of "The 10 Virgins" in my mom's ward. I was so moved by how each of the participants was perfectly cast for a role. I was witness to my mother's decision making process. She worried for weeks about who each "virgin" should be. The Spirit truly was her guide in asking those sweet sisters to fill those roles. I have such a deep appreciation of my Savior and how He taught while He was here on the earth. He knew that we would need to be taught on many different levels and at many different times in our lives. Somehow, He managed to describe in a few verses of scripture each and every one of us. For me the words that stick in my mind the most, and have left the deepest impact on my heart come from the song I was able to sing after all the 10 virgins had sung. "Some will run to meet Him, and find His arms at last. Others will know their time has passed. The door will close and they will go, never to enter in. They will not know Him, when He comes." It is my daily prayer that I will know Him when He comes. I hope the door will not close on me, my family, and my friends. May we all be prepared to meet Him on that day!