Will Somebody Really Listen?

I have found it very interesting how many people there are who spend their lives with nobody to listen to them. I knew a young man when I was a teenager who never did feel validated by his parents because they were both so busy talking that they wouldn't listen to anything that was going in his life. His important accomplishments were only important to him. Last night, our oldest son Brady and I were shooting some hoop on the driveway. Brady loves basketball. It is also a time that I enjoy a great deal because it gives me some alone time with him to visit and talk about life. He had kind of a rough day and so the combination of that for him and a lack of patience on my end had a lousy outcome. We ended the night with tears because when something didn't go his way it saddened him. Once that had happened all he wanted was some love from me and I told him that there was nothing to cry about. I realized afterward that I had errored in judgement. I apologized and we ended the night on a better note. He needed me to listen and then show forth some extra love. Each of us has or will be approached by someone in real need. In that time of need, I hope that I will stop, listen, and then show an increased measure of love.

I'm Not Surprised

When I got to work, this morning, there was a basket neatly wrapped with an assortment of treats and goodies from my good friend at work and his wife to give to Becky. She has hurt her knee and we have felt love from a few people who trully care about us, and we can feel it. I have said it many times but I will state it again. There are a lot of really good people out there who are sincere in their approach to love and look out for those that they really care about. I have a long way to go on perfecting this particular characteristic in my life. I will probably spend a lifetime trying and hopefully I'll get close to mastering it.

It's Nice To Meet You Too

I was in the store and I ended up having a conversation with a man who needed somebody to talk to. I like to visit and I come by that naturally from my dad. He asked me several questions about life and my opinion on a few things. I answered them honestly and thoroughly. One thing really struck me hard. He said that it was nice for him to meet me. I haven't ever really given that comment any attention before. I replied that it was likewise nice to meet him. You may be wondering why that was such a big deal for me. It's very simple. We are all children of a God. He loves us and the reality is that we are spiritual children of Him. That makes us all related in an eternal perspective. This man is an eternal relative of mine and it was so nice to find him a stranger but after talking to him I found a brother indeed. What a neat principle. I was touched and deeply moved, in my heart by that reality.

Turn Here

When was the last time you came upon a sign with the word 'Detour' printed on it? It is quite often, these days with all of the construction that is going on. We live in a time when the necessities of people that live around us need our assistance, sometimes at the most inconvenient times. I am reminded about this concept whenever I see a 'Detour' sign. May I suggest that when the 'detours' of life come that we are willing to confront them with patience, realizing they there is quite possibly something very valuable that we will learn along the way. These detours come unexpectedly and they knock us off guard but we can overcome the frustrations that come with these particular times. Be sensitive to your feelings and be willing and courageous to act on those feelings. So the next time you see the sign, remember that a detour might be needed, from you to help encourage and lift somebody that needs your help. Be ready and be prepared for the times yet to come.

Come Back

As I was sitting in church, today, the thought came to my mind that there are many people who struggle with various things in this life.  Those challenges range from health to struggles with children.  Even marriages have issues between husband and wife.
In the Bible, we are taught by the Savior, Jesus Christ.  One of my favorite passages of scripture calms my heart and stirs within my soul the reality of hope.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

For those that lose their way in life and the hope that they once possessed dwindles, there is always hope no matter what the situation currently is.  The invitation from our Heavenly Father is "Come back!"

Ours is the responsibility to spread that 'good word' and help to lift the heads that hang low with hearts and minds filled with anguish and distress.

We can do it. 

We Play And Have Fun

Tonight, we went to Orem since my mom and dad were in town.  It was a great time to be together and to enjoy one another's company.
The older you get, the more different family members are but I found tonight to be a great time and we all seemed to have a lot of fun.
This entire year I have focused on many different things as I post a daily blog.  Family has come up a lot and there is good reason for that.  Our families should be an important part of our lives.  Sometimes that is difficult to do but I would like to suggest that we all make a conscientious decision to strengthen the relationships we have with our family members.  Even if it's something small and insignificant.  The thought counts.  A brief phone calls expresses that you cared enough to make an effort.  Our families are important.
It was a nice time and we laughed as we spent time together.  What a night.

What Phase Am I On?

Our family enjoys playing card games. There are many games that require some sort of 'scoring' system to keep track of who wins at the end of the game. When Becky and I play we never keep score. We just like to play games to have fun and enjoy each other's company. Several years ago, we had an evening where we invited our friends over to our home to have an evening of games. We pulled out Phase 10 and began to set up to play the game. Our good friend asked if we had a sheet of paper to keep score on. Becky stated that we never kept score. Our friend looked at Becky and asked. "Why even play the game?"
We have laughed about that moment in time. We're just funny that way. I already know that Becky is a great person and I don't need her to beat me at a game to prove her worth to me.
It is my opinion that life is the same way. Who is really keeping score? I believe that I am in charge of keeping track of how I do and not anybody else. Becky and I do have responsibility to teach and give guidance and direction to our children.