During the General Conference last month, Elder Rasband spoke about a "Bucket List". After discussing the parable of the Ten Virgins and the oil needed to fill their lamps, he said:
If some of you are looking to fill what some call "a bucket list," this is it: fill your bucket with oil in the form of the living water of Jesus Christ, which is a representation of His life and teachings. In contrast, checking off a far-off place or a spectacular event will never leave your soul feeling whole or satisfied; living the doctrine taught by Jesus Christ will. I mentioned examples earlier: embrace prophecy and prophetic teachings, act on promptings of the Holy Ghost, become a true disciple, and seek the healing power of our Lord's Atonement. That bucket list will take you somewhere you want to go—back to your Father in Heaven.
Rasband, April 2023 General Conference
At first, I wondered about his use of a very English language colloquialism, "bucket list", in a church that is becoming less and less English-speaking. The Spanish and Italian translation of the talk mentioned something like a "list of things to do before you die" which is essentially the same , but lacks whimsical and "fun things that are really not important but I always wanted to do" vibe associated with "bucket list". For instance, something like making amends with an estranged child might be something you want to do before you die but wouldn't necessarily be labeled a "bucket list" item.
Getting back on topic (I hijacked my own post!), with all the emphasis of encouraging older people to go on a mission (or even two), I could not help but think this was a thinly vailed attempt to dissuade more individuals from pursuing their around-the-world vacations, RV trip to Alaska, or visits to see the Northern Lights. Instead, the message was to "embrace prophecy and prophetic teachings" and go on a mission!
Some of you may have "visit Paris one day" on your bucket list. According to Elder Rasband, you should not be "checking off a far off place". Considering this, I found it ironic that the very next week after he delivered this talk, he was in Paris on official duties with his wife. They subsequently traveled to Germany, Armenia and South Africa. (While I've been to Paris and Germany, I have not been to South Africa, which is on my bucket list).
I'm sure this trip was scheduled way before he began writing his talk, but the optics of telling people to not visit far off places and then within days boarding a plane to do exactly that is not favorable. Yes, Elder Rasband was on an official "ministry trip" so he was filling his lamp with oil by fulfilling his calling.
What do you think of Elder Rasband's admonition to not be "checking off a far off place" from your bucket list?
Do you think this part of his talk is related to recruiting more senior missionaries, or is he simply urging people to relinquish worldly pursuits and devote themselves to Christ?
What is on your bucket list?
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood
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