This was a thought provoking book for me. I enjoyed it and took time to reevaluate some things in my life, questioning where I categorize myself as a spiritual, faith-led person. I appreciated the examples concerning "gap questions" (where we are and where we want to be). Am I someone who's attitude fits in the category of "my ward is the best, my friends are the best, my family is the best, every day is the best" mentality? My cheerful, optimistic and relaxed attitude may help me weather many storms that seem "formidable to those of a less sunny disposition." Or do I see the gap, but choose to ignore it? "Cling(ing) to the ideal so single-mindedly that (I) just don't feel the discomfort that comes from facing the real facts about (myself), about others, or about the world around (me)." Is this gap too raw, "pushing (me) into a sense of denial that filters out painful realities"?"Only when we see both the real and the ideal can we deal with the gap in a constructive way. If we don't grapple with the frustration that comes from facing bravely the uncertainties we encounter, we will lack the deep roots of spiritual maturity. If we don't see the problems that exist, we won't be able to help solve them."It was helpful to reflect on the noise in the world and the noise in me-self doubt, mental & physical health challenges, worries, etc.Choosing between two goods is more difficult than choosing when we see an obvious contrast between good and evil. But learning to make such choices is essential to our spiritual maturity.I also reflected on the idea of blind obedience. I do believe there are many times throughout my life when I follow or obey, simply because I trust the person who's leading. But to me it is a "knowing and trusting kind of obedience" not blind. When I believe in something, it is because I have used all the tools of an educated, critical mind and attitude along with my "confidence in the ideal". This allows me to have "informed faith".When I came to the part of mature simplicity, I felt it means being a true disciple in the realm of faith in God and Jesus Christ. "It is not so much about what one does or how one thinks, but about who and what one is-and is becoming." Throughout my life, there have been times where I have gradually shifted emphasis, like Elder Neal A. Maxwell, from the "large scale macro concerns about social problems to the more focused, personal micro concerns of how to live (my life)." Of course the macro problems matter, but the micro problems are the ones I can do the most about. "...the gospel's way of changing the individual is the only lasting way to change society...In the end there are no hyphenated words like disciple-scholar. If we are not finally true disciples, it won't matter much what else we are."Reading about Elder Maxwell's son's response to his father's final months of life, was helpful in reminding me to "live in a better way now-closer to what he called the 'things of eternity.'" Keeping an eternal perspective has helped me cope with the tragedies of life, along with the joys and unexpected events."Learning from experience teaches us in ways nothing else can. God consciously took the risk that some of His children wouldn't come back. Even the Savior had to undergo trials of mortality-without shortcuts. Only by 'reason of use' can we exercise our senses to truly understand both good and evil." It is through my failures and successes that I have learned the most about myself and others. I have also come to know God better, appreciate His mercy and justice, His Son's redeeming power in my life.I have also come to realize that "not all uncertainties need to be resolved intellectually. Blind faith is simple, easy, and ultimately dangerous, but the benefit of the doubt is something earned by thought and experience that is then lovingly given to others, because you love and trust (others and God)."When there are unsettling questions and concerns and I've gathered all the evidence possible with still no clear answer, I can remember Moroni's promise in the Book of Mormon (Moro 10:4-5). "I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things...that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from...Adam (until now)...and ponder it in your hearts."Finally, the scriptures are full of "proving periods" in various characters' lives. Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were saved from the flames but Abinadi was burned. Alma returned to the faith due to the prayers of his father while Laman and Lemuel continued to stray. 2,000 stripling warriors were wounded but never killed while 1,005 Anti-Nephi-Lehies were slain by the sword. Ammon brought thousands to repentance but Mormon & Moroni labored all their days and never saw the fruits of their labor. "For every 'thy will be done" in submission to the agony of Gethsemane, there is a prayer too powerful to be recorded, the blessing of children one by one, angels descending from the opened heavens, and tears streaming down the face (of)...One who can finally declare full joy."

Non-contingent trust does not depend on certain expected blessings. So with that type of trust, I can endure any trial. The fruits of the gospel, of intensely personal convictions have developed in me for many years. Due to that, I follow my leaders, learn all I can for myself, and trust God in the "gap" periods of my life.