Zion

This summer, Jed and I spent 3 days at Zion National Park with my family. The green shrubbery contrasted against the red and white sandstone cliffs was breathtaking. Layers of history written in those walls. The Creation does not get much better than the narrow canyons of the Southwest that inspire reverence.

The name Zion was given to the canyon carved by the Virgin River in southern Utah. The first white settlers of the LDS faith (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) gave the name because it represents a place of perfect unity and beauty, a place to find safety and inspiration.

Zion is defined in sacred readings as “the pure in heart” and as becoming of “one heart, one mind.” The Bible mentions a place of worship and reverence (i.e. temple) built on Mount Zion. Zion was seen in the early Mormon days (and even now) as building the kingdom of God here upon the earth. Only it was talked of in a much more literal/physical sense in the early days. Nowadays, the interpretation of building Zion in the LDS church seems to be more about building community with the vision of becoming one and lifting each other up.

These various meanings may all sound somewhat disconnected. But I see a very real tie between where one’s heart is and the quality of relationships within your community. A handful of times I have felt the sense of real community in my life—where I knew I was accepted and loved, not just in spite of my sometimes awkward social skills or not-so-funny sense of humor, but because I am human. Embracing those that are similar as well as those you don’t always relate to is part of this creating community or “building of Zion” for me. It’s where everyone is valued and seen as able to contribute. I have found this where I worked before, ANASAZI. And in a small community called Boulder. And with my family on many lazy days as we sat around talking and laughing. But it is more than just that acceptance.

Zion is a place where we who are part of that community invite each other to do better, to be better, as we individually seek for greater learning and understanding. We want to see each other succeed and don’t feel threatened by others' successes. In becoming “one” we share each other’s burdens and joys. I want my Zion to be in my home as I support my husband in his dreams and goals. And the same for when we have children. And I want it to spread to my neighbors (which include my in-laws). I want to feel this way with those I meet at church or at my work. But I want my community to also include the greater human family whenever possible. I want to care about the child in Ghana who doesn’t have enough for her school lunch fee.

This is Zion for me. And as I build Zion, I want to create a place of safety and peace, of growth and learning, where everyone can contribute and feels valued.