In the Comfort of Her Arms.

I have always had a loving relationship with my mom.  She has always been the epitome of a 'lady'.  She is very feminine.  She even throws like a girl!  I have always been grateful for the type of mom I have. 
When I was little, I would get earaches, periodically.  I remember being up in the middle of the night feeling like my head was going to explode.  The pain grew so intense that I needed to go get my mom (because moms can take away any kind of pain.)  I would awaken her and she would lovingly take care of the pain that I was experiencing.  There were many nights when mom would heat up olive oil and put that in my ears and then stick a cotton ball into my ear canal.  That gave me some relief.  Then, she would rock me to sleep in the old rocking chair.  I can remember how good she smelled.  Her touch was soothing.  I knew that she cared about me.  The greatest relief came from being in her arms.
I don't get earaches anymore but the aches that I feel, once in awhile, come in a different way.  Becky has stepped appropriately into the role as the one who brings relief to my soul.  There have been occasions when I knew that if I could just talk to her that things would be alright.  And they are! 
It doesn't matter who you are, the time does come when you need someone who you can trust, to take away the burdens that seem to weigh you down.
I have the great blessing of Becky and my mom.
After Natalie (our oldest) was born, Becky's mom came over to our apartment, during the day, to give her the help that she needed because she was a new mom.  I was a young inexperienced father who was overly confident in my excitement of fatherhood.  I figured that when I came home from work that my mother-in-law could then go home and I could pick up where she left off.  That didn't happen exactly like I had hoped it would.  (Mom is an absolute angel.)  I got home on the second day and went into the room where Becky was laying on the bed.  She asked how the day had gone and I began to cry.  To this day, I can't remember ever crying that hard in my life.  I didn't understand the importance that it was for Becky to have her mom there to help.  I was frustrated that I didn't feel like anyone could see that I was perfectly capable of running our household and taking care of my wife and our new baby daughter.  Feeling a bit frustrated, I called later that evening to spout off the frustration that I felt to my own mom.  As has always been the case, my mom heard me out, completely.  There was silence on the other end of the phone.  "Becky needs her mom."  I was missing the most important part of the whole scenario, my wife needed her mom.  I am grateful that my mom spoke the words that I needed to hear the very most.  I needed to allow Becky to have her mom there.  I just didn't understand.  It will be a great blessing for Becky to be there when our daughters have children of their own and I hope that their husbands see that need better than I did.
Especially when I was young, I needed the comfort from within the arms of my mom.  I am grateful that I have a sweet woman that gives me the comfort that I need, in her arms. 

You Have To Go Now

There was a young married couple who lived in our neighborhood.  They seemed to be content with their life together.  The man traveled quite often for his employment.  Some things happened in their marriage and soon after we heard that they were getting a divorce.  The man moved out of the house and the woman began to set up the life she would have on her own. 
I was over at one of our friend's house and noticed that a truck was in the driveway that I hadn't seen for a long time.  The closer I looked, I realized that the truck in the driveway, next door, belonged to the man that had divorced his wife some months before.  I didn't think much about it, at the time.  I went to bed that evening and suddenly began to get an unsettled feeling about the truck being at that house.  The longer I lay in bed the stronger the impression got that I should go and check out the situation.  I finally sat up on the edge of the bed.  Becky asked if everything was alright with me.  I told her what I was feeling and expressed to her that I needed to go check on the home and make sure everything was fine.  She agreed.  The biggest dilemma for me was that it was late and I didn't want to be inconsiderate to anyone.  I couldn't take it anymore.  I called my friend, who lived next door to the house I was concerned about, to see if he would go check on the house with me.  Of course, he was more than willing to do it.  We walked up to the door and knocked.  We waited for a minute and then the door opened.  It was the young woman who lived there.  We could tell that she had been crying because her eyes were tear-stained.  I asked if everything was okay.  She hesitated briefly.  With her hesitation I knew that something was wrong.  A man called out her name.  The woman turned around away from us as if she was scared.  I recognized the voice of the man.  "Brian."  I inquired.  The young woman immediately opened the door wide.  Brian seemed surprised to see my friend and I at the door.  "Is everything alright?"  I asked.  "What are you doing here?"  Was my next question.  We were invited into the house.  We stood there in the entry way and visited for a few minutes.  The situation seemed heated and uncomfortable between the young couple.  We asked the man if he could please get what he needed and then get going.  He said that he would.  When we knew that all was calm, we left to go back to our homes.  As we left the house, my friend and I talked about our visit.  We hoped and prayed that things would be alright with this couple.
I got home and felt good about the decision to go and check. 
My dad has taught me on many occasions that when I get an impression, no matter if its big or small, I should act on it immediately. 
I was grateful that I had finally acted on the feeling I had gotten.  None of us will ever know why we get the feelings we get sometimes.  I'm thankful on that night, long ago, that I listened and acted.

Soul Search

I am going to take the liberty to spend my time writing something that is more spiritually minded, on Sunday.  I believe that my faith is not just a part of who I am, rather, it is who I am.
On Friday, I was listening to some music on my friend's IPOD.  One of the selections was a rendition of "Silent Night" performed by David Archuleta.  I know what you're thinking, Christmas is over, but it just felt like a good song to listen to, in the moment.  I listened carefully to its lyrics and was physically moved by its message.
Many years have passed since that world-changing event when the baby Jesus came to this earth.  That event continues to stir up daily feelings in my heart. 
Each of us needs a 'silent night' of our own once in a while.  We need to pause and reflect on the things in our lives that make us cheer as well as the things that trouble our hearts. 
I worked at my work bench and silently thanked my Heavenly Father for His kindness to me and my family.  I began to run through the large list of things for which I am most grateful.  I thought about certain individuals that could especially use my friendship to help them through difficult challenges that they currently face.  I thought about the gratitude I feel for my parents who are currently out of the country enjoying some time of vacation with one another.  My mind raced at the wonderful opportunities I am given, on a daily basis, to touch some body's heart for good.  
These silent moments give us all a chance to reflect and ponder about the things that are the most important.
I have a man who I haven't seen or even thought about for nearly twenty years.  The memory of working with him suddenly came into my mind. He had some severe disabilities and yet his work ethic never wavered.  He showed me what it was like to give his employer a fair day's work.  I watched him treat his co-workers with respect.  I watched his enthusiasm in an effort to make people smile.  His spirit lifted mine whenever I was around him.  I wondered silently, "what ever happened to James?"  The positive impact he had on my life is still alive.
I encourage you to take the moments of reflection so that you can have your heart lifted just as mine has been.  My moment just happened to be the remembrance of one of the greatest nights ever known to mankind. 
Your opportunity to reflect may be different than mine but just as important in nature.  Enjoy the moments as they come, for they will help to shape you into the person you are supposed to become.

When I Grow Up

Several months ago, our youngest boy, Danny, came tromping into the living room with my shoes on.  I don't have enormous feet but when you put a size eleven shoe on the feet of a seven year old they look huge.  I joked with him about how quickly his feet had grown in just a short amount of time.  He then stated the obvious by saying.  "Dad, these are your shoes, don't you know?" 
I gave some thought to that small window of time that I enjoyed with Dan.  I thought about doing the same exact thing with my dad's shoes and thinking to myself that one day I was going to grow up to be big. 
I am thankful for the opportunity to look forward with anticipation of things yet to come.
About seventeen years ago, Becky and I found out that we were expecting our first child.  It was an exciting time for us but also overwhelming.  To be a father was something I had hoped would happen to me.  I wanted to grow up and get married to a wonderful person. (I got the very best!)  I hoped with all of my heart that I would be able to have children.  That blessing has also come to pass for which I am grateful. 
Speaking of looking forward to things.  I thought about the time that passed during the pregnancy of our oldest son, Brady.  From the beginning of the pregnancy, I began dreaming that this baby boy would be born with Down Syndrome.  The dreams were some of the sweetest experiences I have ever enjoyed.  Life was rich with this cute little boy.  Our life didn't seem to skip a beat at all.  I enjoyed everything about him.  The pregnancy went well and the day quickly arrived when we would finally enjoy this new addition to our family.  It finally came time for Dr. Macy to deliver the baby.  The delivery went well and Dr. Macy assured us that we had a healthy baby boy.  I must have had a puzzled look on my face when she looked at me to deliver the exciting news.  "Is he okay?" I asked.  "Yes!"  Was her response.  As I looked at this new beautiful baby boy, I expected to see this beautiful boy with challenges that we would live with for the remainder of our lives.  I was relieved but also a bit saddened because I had dreamed about him for many months.  I was grateful to have a healthy baby. 
All I ever wanted to do was grow up and be happy.  I have been blessed in abundance.  I still feel like Danny walking in those big shoes, looking forward to the many great adventures and opportunities that lie ahead.  The shoes still feel like they have some growing room.  When the day finally comes that I grow into those shoes, I hope that I have done all that I can do.  Because after all is said and done, I want to grow up to be the best person I can be. 

Do You Believe?

I see myself as a firm believer.  I remember a  particular day when I was a teenager.  It seemed like everything that could go bad, did.  I vented to my mom that my day had been one of the worst days I could remember ever having.  Her wise response was this.  "Then you know that tomorrow is going to be a better day!"  I will admit now that I thought she was a little crazy but I did take her word for it.  The very next day was, just like she said, probably one of the best days I ever had.
There are a lot of difficult times that we all will have to deal with.  Sometimes we get an unfortunate break.  Some of those come from decisions we make and others are controlled by the decisions of others.  Nonetheless, the decision is ours how we will let it affect us.
Do you believe that the 'sun' will shine on you after a bitterly hard storm?  Do you believe that hurt can be repaired through the kind words of a dear friend?  Do you believe that the strength of your family can endure any kind of heartache?  Do you believe that you are a magnificent person who can overcome anything?  I believe you can.
I served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Holland.  My companion and I went out one day to share the message that we had.  We were excited about the opportunity to teach this message.  Beginning at 9 AM, the first home that we visited opened the door momentarily and then promptly slammed the door shortly after we began to tell them why we were there.  Throughout the entire day, one door after another  were slammed in our faces.  I thought that it was really rude of the people to act that way but the words suddenly came into my mind that my mom had shared with me a couple of years earlier.  Tomorrow is sure to be a better day.  
I believe that her statement is true.  I'm not saying that it will be perfect.  What I am saying is that no matter the heartache or frustration that you are feeling, if you will look at all of the positives that can come from your adversity you will surely find them and the day will become brightened in no time at all.
We are a part of a great plan.  We live in a life full of never ending possibilities.  We face challenges that seem like they will swallow us up.  But we can overcome them and become so much stronger than we ever thought possible.  Tomorrow is going to be a better day.
Do you believe?  I do!

The Best Things In Life Aren't Things.

About three years ago, I sat and listened to a discussion where people compared with each other, all of the things that they had as a kid.  The longer the discussion went on the more I realized how great of a childhood I really did have.  I am not saying that to have things is necessarily a bad thing.  What I hope to convey is that the time we spend together, and the memories we make are the things that matter the most.  
Our family spent a lot of time playing at the parks nearby our home.  We could bring a basketball, a football, a frisbee, and the baseball and baseball gloves to make up a night of absolute enjoyment.
I could go on and on about those fun times we shared as a family.  Those are truly the greatest memories of my childhood.
My parents made sure that life was fun for us all and they particularly enjoyed the times when we were all together.  There has never been a doubt of their love for us!
Becky and I lead a very simple life.  There isn't much to brag about when it comes to monetary success.  We have what we need and that seems perfectly sufficient.  What we do have is a lot of fun.  We spend much of our lives laughing hysterically, mostly at ourselves.  We love to be together, as a family, no matter what we are doing.
A fond memory that comes to my mind is the time we spent swimming and playing in the water at Jordanelle Reservoir.  Becky called me at work, one afternoon, and asked me if I was interested in meeting her and the kids at Jordanelle.  You have to know that I don't need a very good excuse to have to leave work early and spend time with the people I cherish the most.  I met them about an hour later.  Becky packed a picnic dinner for us and with the floating, blow-up toys and a football, we were set for the entire evening, being together and making a memory that would last a lifetime.
I find great pleasure in building strong family bonds.  I believe that these memories that we have made, and will continue to make, are the very best things in life.

Who I Really Am.

This morning was similar to every other morning.  There is one important difference, however.  I looked in the mirror and at 5:30 AM it was just me and the man in the mirror.  I looked a little closer today and wondered as I looked at myself, "am I doing a good job in my life?" 
I was told recently, that an article was written that stated that one of the hardest things for people to do is to look at themselves in the mirror and smile.  That statement has caused me to think about me.
I looked closely today at the physical part of me.  My face is growing older and some of my physical characteristics are different than even five years ago.  I wondered whose head it was in the mirror that has lost a whole bunch of hair.  I weigh more than I should and that 'load' is obvious to me.
I am very imperfect but today, I saw a man that is trying hard to be a good person.  I saw someone who adores his wife and children.  I saw a person who tries every day to treat his fellow beings as valued people.  I saw a man who tries to understand his role in life and the importance of it.  I saw a man who understands better than anybody else his many imperfections.  I saw somebody who tries to be teachable and learn as much as he can.  Most importantly, I saw a man whose eyes showed a clear conscience starring back at me.  I felt good about the man that I was looking at.
Now its your turn.  I'm not asking you to look in the mirror and find a perfect person looking back at you.  I am asking you to take a moment and look deep into the eyes of someone who is important.  I am asking you to evaluate yourself and look at all of the positively wonderful things you are trying to do.  I am asking you to look carefully to see if you can see some characteristics, in yourself, that resemble the One who created you. I am asking you to see and then realize the many different talents and gifts you possess and ought to be willing to share with others.  This is not the time to focus on anything negative.  
Once you have looked and contemplated all that is good, take a moment to smile at that person in the mirror.  Reflect on the very most important part of this reality.  You were created from the very hands of God.  He is your Maker.  And no matter what, yes, no matter what, He loves you!
It is today that I find great motivation in life and the excitement of opportunities that lie ahead.  We are all very important.   Today is a life-changing day!