Book of Mormon

I just finished presenting Jacob 5 - Zenos' allegory of the Olive Tree to my seminary students. I gave myself 2 1/2 class periods to do it and I loved it. I am so glad that I enjoy symbolism. It drives some folks crazy, but I think it is such a wonderful way to teach and to learn. The part of the allegory that really moved me this time was at the very end in verses 71 to the end. It really made me see that the work of the Lord IS the focus of life and that as we work in the vineyard for this last time, He is there with us:
"And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the en is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with ME ye shall have joy in the fruit which I lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.
"And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them;"
It made me more committed to preparing to serve a mission with Dad in 5 years. It also made me think of David who is going into the vineyard in a way that he has never gone before.

I have also found the challenge to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year to be wonderful. I have so enjoyed the opportunity to read the book with greater speed. I have seen and learned things that I had not seen before. I find that I am more aware of the life's work of the prophets and leaders. The passage of time and the changes in the society are more pronounced and give fair warning of the place we are in the history of our time. I would love to hear where you are and what you are finding in your reading. Dad is finished with the book. I am in 3 Nephi 4.