There was the widow whose neighbor came by to say her dead husband had visited one night and asked the neighbor to check in on his wife. The widow, Tesik said, was infuriated: Why hadn't he visited her?Tesik is a grief counselor. He says he hears numerous stories of visions. So why did the dead husband visit the neighbor and not his wife? Why did Kotowicz visit Johnson and not his wife or co-workers? Why did he give Johnson a message for them? Why didn't he deliver the message to them himself?
These are good questions. . . Why didn't Baron visit me as well as Greg?
As Mormons we believe that we are entitled to receive divine direction or personal revelation for those whom we have authority over. Personal revelation includes all communication from Heavenly Father to his children whether it is a still small voice, impressions, more elaborate manifestations such as visions etc.
From topic page, "Revelation":
Revelation is communication from God to His children. This guidance comes through various channels according to the needs and circumstances of individuals, families, and the Church as a whole. When the Lord reveals His will to the Church, He speaks through His prophet. Prophets are the only people who can receive revelation for the Church, but they are not the only people who can receive revelation. According to our faithfulness, we can receive revelation to help us with our specific personal needs, responsibilities, and questions and to help us strengthen our testimony.I can receive revelation concerning my own life. My husband can receive revelation for his. Occasionally, I have received revelation that concerned other people. I say "concerned" because it was not revelation for them but for me. I was supposed to do something or know something concerning them. For example, I may receive revelation telling me that it is not safe for me to associate with a particular person. Or I may receive a prompting to do something for someone, that they need something that I can provide.
Further guidance from the topic page:
The scriptures tell of different types of revelation, such as visions, dreams, and visitations by angels. Through such channels, the Lord has restored His gospel in the latter days and revealed many truths. However, most revelations to leaders and members of the Church come through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.
Quiet spiritual promptings may not seem as spectacular as visions or angelic visitations, but they are just as powerful and lasting and life changing. The witness of the Holy Ghost makes an impression on the soul that is more significant than anything we can see or hear. Through such revelations, we will receive lasting strength to stay true to the gospel and help others do the same.So, why did Baron visit Greg and not me? The only reasons I can think of is that perhaps I wasn't receptive to receiving a vision at that time, or I received just as much comfort from Greg's vision as he did. I believed him. I did not need a vision. My comfort is knowing that Baron still lives, is happy and still loves us as we love him.
I do think Heavenly Father uses the least invasive means to achieve his purposes. If a thought implanted in a mind achieves the same thing a lightning bolt to the head why not use an implanted thought?
So, what about the other questions posed. I don't know. And, I'm not going to puzzle over it. I'm just going to try and make myself a willing receiver for any divine communications Heavenly Father sees fit to send me.
In addition, I'm not going to try and second-guess Heavenly Father's judgment or wisdom by substituting my own.
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