Spirits and "Last Station"

[Arnolt]

I've learned that our spirit is everlasting and there is no end of being. But this life on earth seems rather short to me in comparison to eternity. Thus, I cannot completely understand why this period that seems to be so relatively short on the one hand is so important for our eternal being on the other hand. I have read in the Book of Alma that "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God", and that we have to do our labour, but is this short life really the "last station" on our way to repent and what might be if we failed? I have also learned that there might be a second chance given after our life on earth, but in that phase of existence (first resurrection?) it wouldn't count as much as here in our actual life. I guess I should read more about all that to understand more clearly, and perhaps one of you can give me an advice where I find some answers in the scriptures.

Edited June 14, 2012 by Arnolt