Humility

Some of you may know that I work for the Boeing Company.  They are a great company to work for and the opportunities I have to grow are wonderful too. 
In June, the President and CEO of the Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group announced his retirement after 38 years with the company.  His replacement is a man by the name of Ray Conner.  He has worked for the company for 34 years and has a resume' filled with valuable experience to lead and guide the division of the Boeing company forward.  I was amazed at the counsel he gave to a large group of Boeing interns at a recent conference. 

"Humility is part of leadership. You've got to have a plan, you've got to prepare yourself, you've got to perform when you get into the job, and you've got to have a strong base of relationships with people."

The part I really wanted to focus on is the characteristic, humility.  No matter your position in life or the responsibilites you have, humility needs to play an important role.  I believe that humility is a key factor in a person's true success.  Whether you're a father or mother, sister or brother, friend, husband or wife, the fact remains the same--being someone who possesses humility will pay huge dividends in the success of your relationships and strengthen those bonds.

I want to be humble and I hope that one day I will get there.  When I'm dead and gone I hope that it will be said of me that I was a goodly and humble man.

One On One

Tonight, Danny and I spent some time walking the sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.  We visited along the way and enjoyed one another's company.  I haven't been alone with Dan for quite some time but tonight seemed like a little piece of heaven. 
A young girl hollered out his name and came running toward him.  He was kind to go up to her and talk with her about the summer and how things were going for her.  She asked him if he could come over and play on another occasion.
I joked with him and really loved to ask him questions about the way he sees life.
What an evening.  I am thankful for fatherhood and the great blessing that it is in my life.
Now I need to make the time to spend one on one with our other three kids.
Life is so generous to me and how thankful I am.

One For The Books

You surely have seen this sprinter.  I am grateful for the inspiration of a person like this who doesn't hold back on an experience of a lifetime and one that could inspire and help somebody else in need.
This is Oscar Pistorius, the sprinter from South Africa.
This picture speaks for itself.

It Can Always Be More Difficult

I sat in church and listened to an individual talk about the challenges that they face.  This person has endured some terrible things but I had to remind myself that my life is very good and I have challenges too.  We all have them and some are more intense than others but we all have the God-given capability to overcome them.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ helps with all of the obstacles that we face.  That is why His act is so important and needed for all of mankind.
Stop for a moment and think about what the Atonement means for you, just today.  I want you to review what that really means.  It is complex and hard to perfectly imagine what He did for you and me, but He did.
I am grateful for all that I learn from the trials that come my way.  I hope that is the same feeling you have.
We are loved and our Father understands what we face completely and fully.  We are never alone.

Words From The Heart

Tonight, we shared moments together that we will remember into the eternities.  We decided to 'go for a ride' in the van and enjoy one another's company.  We enjoy being together as a family and listening to the thoughts and feelings that come from the heart.  Natalie wanted to share a few words from the scriptures that were particularly touching to her.  Each of our four children subsequently shared their feelings and words of scripture that they had studied in church, that meant something to them. 
Becky and I sat in the front seats and glanced over to each other on several occasions, touched by the rehearsal of words and feelings of the heart.  I felt a sense of peace and a glimpse of eternity, if we will do what is right.  I am so thankful for the divine organization of family.  I give thanks for all that I learn and the pure desire I have to do what is good and right.
Tonight was a 'parent payday.'  I am a better person for this experience.  I love my family!

Reunion

Today we attended a reunion on my Grandpa's side of the family. (my mom's
 dad)  It was an enjoyable time and it was really nice to see some of the people that we don't ever see.  We weren't expecting to see our grandparents.  To our surprise, they showed up.  I learned a couple of valuable lessons.  First, there are people who are very gritty and tough.  I hope to be that kind of person. (I don't think I'll be tough when it comes to reunions, though)  The second thing is sometimes you do things that aren't very fun.  In fact, many things in life are not about you.  I am striving to do things for others because its important to them.
How thankful I was to be in the presence of my grandparents.  It is a joy to be in their midst.  I don't know how long they will be around but today was a great opportunity to be with them and to love them.

I Miss You

Two nights ago, our boys spent the night at Becky's parents house for a 'sleep-over'.  Their cousins are in town from St. Louis and so grandpa and grandma had an opportunity to enjoy their grand kids.  Our girls have 'teenage' things that they do and so Becky and I spent the evening alone.  I love spending time with Becky and we really get a kick out of each other.  As I climbed into bed, I felt a slight loneliness for our boys but knew and understood that they were safe and happy. 
I am so grateful for the privilege I have to be a husband and father.  It brings me joy that cannot be measured.  It is easy to feel ungrateful and lose track of the things that are important.  Make a special effort to see all that is good and then be grateful.
Life is how you perceive it to be.  Even during the tumultuous storms that come, there is much for which we can be grateful. 
My family means everything to me.  I love to be with them and enjoy what they have to offer me.