Peace as a River

"O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments--then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." (1 Nephi 20:18)

I read this statement, and I'm picturing a loving father, expressing sorrow for a child gone astray. I'm imagining that this father has done what he can to teach and help the child. But the child must make their own decisions.

As a father, I can sympathize with this, if even on a much smaller scale. When my kids make poor decisions, especially regarding things I've cautioned them about, it is painful to watch them go through consequences that could have been avoided,

On a much larger scale, our Heavenly Father has laid out a plan for us.  He has given us everything we need to be able to return home to Him. However, many of us do not listen or obey. We do not hearken to His commandments, and we suffer needless consequences.

That's not to say that if we live righteously, we will have an easy life.  In fact, the above quote doesn't say anything about that. However, if we hearken to the commandments, our peace will be like a river, ever flowing, steadfastly and constantly.  Who doesn't want peace like that?