1 Nephi1:1

He had been homeless, abused by his brothers-even to the point of them trying to kill him, many times, starved, heartbroken, and stressed beyond measure. He had to constantly be watchful for those who wanted to destroy him, while still trying to teach and ponder spiritual things. He trusted in God during all of it, and according to verse 1, still considered himself "highly favored of the Lord ", having "a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God".

He must have been hopeful, faithful, and optimistic - finding the goodness and tender mercies of God even in his darkest times. "Finding", I think, includes activity searching AS WELL AS discovering.

God did say if we searched, we would find.

He was 45 (I think) when he finally made the plates and began engraving his record. He had seen much in that time. He had killed Laban and may have suffered from that memory. He had been on the boat-tied up and likely outside-for days in a life-threatening storm while his wife and children watched. He had left parts of his family and friends behind forever. He had been through much when he first started engraving. "I, Nephi...", yet the very first verse included words about the goodness of God, His tender mercies, and his loving and righteous parents.

Who is this man, Nephi?

Reading, riveted, to find out more.