The Pioneer Spirit

I remember growing up reading the Little House on the Prairie books as a kid and even watching the television show. I may have had a crush on Melissa Gilbert, but I will admit nothing. That being said, I loved the stories’ frontier spirit, ingenuity, and the characters’ determined grit as they confronted trying obstacles and crazy weather.

My grandmother told similar stories of perseverance and determination about her parents and grandparents who lived in the 1800s. Neighbors often came together for barn raisings, haying, or calving. The community would come together and help each other.

I have wondered if the same pioneer spirit exists today to help another in our community. I then took a moment to look around. I saw a person stall in the turn lane by Main Street in Wasilla. Then, all of a sudden, two people jumped out of their trucks. One had a tow chain, pulled her into the gas station, and even filled up her tank as she was just out of gas. Another person walked along the Parks Highway past Talkeetna, less than a mile from where their car was pulled over to the side. That person hitched a ride back to the service station so they could get some help. And yet another remained in the hospital longer than expected as his wife struggled with a difficult birth. The community pitched in, provided meals, and even child care so he could support his wife and still work while she recovered.

I am sure that many of you have either been the recipient of help or have rendered aid. It continues to amaze me, especially in Alaska, how helpful people are. You would probably not pick up a stranger on the side of the road if you lived in New York or Los Angeles. This kind spirit of helpfulness continues to make me proud to be an Alaskan.

The light of Christ inspires people to help others, even when they do not have to or need to. We naturally do not want to see people suffer. That’s why we pick up a crying child to console them, why we bring food to someone after a funeral or send flowers or a card to someone who is in the hospital. All these ways show that we care and bring us closer to each other and the Lord.

The scripture in KJV Matthew 5:14-15 reads “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Many pioneers held a firm belief in God. Bibles were found in many homes, worn by frequent reading. They taught its principles to generations. Even though it may seem hidden, the light of Christ is all around us and shines forth as we help others in need without looking for compensation. I hope and pray that we will continue to look for opportunities to help and lift those around us, following that Alaskan pioneer and Christlike spirit.

John Boston is a local physician, husband, father, grandfather and believer in Christ and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.