10/18/2026
A week ago, my wife Emily and I were able to visit the beautiful country of Panama. Right after we landed in the capital city on Friday, the country experienced a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. We walked through the airport and made our way to the exit. The immigration officer asked us if we had felt the ground shaking just before walking up to her desk and both of us couldn't believe it. We had not felt anything! As we waited for our luggage and we started hearing announcements that things were going to be delayed given the event, we tried to be patient with other travelers. After a second announcement about 20 minutes later still asking for patience, everyone began to be anxious - not because of the quake, but rather the delay in getting our luggage.
Having not experienced the tremor ourselves, the description of windows vibrating and trash cans almost falling over did not register the same worry in weary passengers just trying to get to their relaxation planned at the resort. The airport was evacuated, firemen cleared the area, and after another hour or two, we were allowed back inside. Eventually, we got our luggage, transferred to the domestic airport and made the final leg of our journey to our small island destination.
That night, suddenly we became acutely aware of why the airport was evacuated and why the immigration officer was astounded that we were so calm after such a jarring experience she had just had. On the second floor of our island "treehouse", we felt the strong quaking of an aftershock that registered 6.1 on the seismic scales. Our personal experience with the sounds and sensations gave us new perspective, one that was lost on us by only hearing of the account earlier.
I find similarities with spiritual moments that allow us to connect with our Father in Heaven, as we individually experience His great love, mercy, and concern for each of us. We can make daily efforts to ensure we remain close to Him, as we honor the commandments that His Son, Jesus Christ gave during his mortal ministry - to love God and love our neighbors. Our testimonies of truth are confirmed as we experience the Holy Spirit working in our lives. One of the most important things we can do spiritually is learn to hear Him. Others' experiences and how they have felt spiritual impressions in their lives are valuable and influential, but each of us should personally strive and seek out those moments through daily study and prayer - by which I know our eternal outlook will be changed as we align our desires with God's plan. President Russell M. Nelson taught that we cannot "survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
- Pres Mike Evans
