Enos, The Book of Mormon

Enos was the son of Jacob, mentioned in an earlier entry on this blog. This would have made him the nephew of Nephi, although Enos evidently lived quite a few years later, and might not have known Nephi personally. The Book of Enos is only twenty seven verses long, with most of that concerned with a single incident in Enos" life.
This short account does not give us any firm clues about Enos" age or his status at the time, although it is easy to see him as a younger person coming to grips with life's big questions, perhaps for the first time. He describes himself as alone on a hunting trip, when the message of his father's teachings  came into his mind. As with many both before and after, Enos decided that he wanted his own spiritual witness of his father's teachings.
He decided to pray. According to the record, his prayer continued all day into the evening. Several terms in the scripture indicate that this process was a struggle requiring all of Enos' strength. Finally, a voice answered which confirmed his father's words and granted forgiveness for his previous sins, whatever those might have been.
This message brought joy to Enos, but then he did something a little surprising. He extended his circle of concern to his family and his people, already known collectively as "Nephites". The voice promises that these people will never be completely destroyed. Then Enos pushed the envelope a bit further, asking for Divine compassion for his people's enemies, the Lamanites. He is assured that they will also be remembered, and will have an opportunity to be taught the Gospel.
At our best, we are not so much concerned with our own needs, but have a desire to see to the needs of others. When filled with love for others, even strangers, our own problems seem to shrink to peanut size.