j . a . m . k . m . b: Work Slammage...

Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Oct 2008

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

... Professor Harold Hill, one of the principal characters in [The Music Man], voices a caution that I share with you. Says he, “You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you’ve collected a lot of empty yesterdays.”

f you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”³ We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”

In the 1960s, during the Vietnam War, Church member Jay Hess, an airman, was shot down over North Vietnam. For two years his family had no idea whether he was dead or alive. His captors in Hanoi eventually allowed him to write home but limited his message to less than 25 words. What would you and I say to our families if we were in the same situation—not having seen them for over two years and not knowing if we would ever see them again? Wanting to provide something his family could recognize as having come from him and also wanting to give them valuable counsel, Brother Hess wrote—and I quote: “These things are important: temple marriage, mission, college. Press on, set goals, write history, take pictures twice a year.”

Said one well-known author: “Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

Said the Lord in a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, “In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.”¹⁰ May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.

Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey."

Monday, November 19, 2007

Work Slammage...

As you can tell, or maybe you can't, but the frequency of blog posts has slowed down significantly over the past few weeks. This is not due to writer's block, or a lack of postable material, it is simply due to a decrease in my work-life balance. Work has been increasingly busy, and due to a big new project, I have been missing more and more family dinners lately. It's ok, because this is a good opportunity for me, and this is very temporary, but it's been busy.

A couple of things I wanted to tee up as we head into this week. First, of course, is Thanksgiving. We'll miss being with all our family - this is one of our favorite times of year, and it's always a little sad to not be around family. Fortunately we have a really strong friend group out here, most of which don't have family close either, so we'll have some good friend time this week. I'm not going to lie and say I'm not happy about a few days off of work either.

Second thing worth mentioning is there are a couple of ginormous football games this week. I actually hate to even discuss the BYU-utah game because it just adds to the fire, but it will be a big one to test the progress of a Cougs team that has shown some vulnerabilities this year. As much as I wish I could go to the game, I DON'T miss living in Utah during the buildup to the game (and sometimes for the aftermath...depending on the outcome). The other big game for our family is the Texas-texas a&m game. Sure it's not as big as Texas-oklahoma, but it's a fun one nonetheless and it's looking good for the Horns this year. Anyway, good games on from Thanksgiving on - so enjoy the weekend.

If I don't have time to post again, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, and don't eat too much!!! We love you all.

4 comments:

Unknown said...: have a good thanksgiving! we'll miss you guys.
i was just thinking i can't remember the last time we've seen you on thanksgiving?? it's been a while.; November 19, 2007 at 6:49 PM
Anonymous said...: I'll be at the game. I'm pumped/nervous. The Utes are looking really good right now. I found it interesting that today they interviewed Eric Weddle today (some of that pre-game buildup), and he was saying that he thought the Ute defense is better this year than any year he was there. That's a little scary when you consider how good is was and that included the Urban team. But then again, what is he supposed to say. It will be a lot of fun. Hope you guys have a Happy Thanksgiving.; November 19, 2007 at 7:28 PM
samandbrodi said...: John--I just found your blog thru Spence and Molly's blog. It has been a while and it was nice to catch up on everything you are all doing. Being back in Utah, I don't enjoy the buildup to the big game this Saturday, but I look forward to actually watching the game. Go Utes!

We have to get the Richards boys out this Christmas season for some more hoops. Take care----Sam; November 20, 2007 at 10:21 AM
jamkmb said...: Sam- welcome to our little family/friend blog. It's nice to hear from old friends!

I hope you have a very happy thanksgiving right up until about noon on Saturday, then I hope you cry and sulk for the rest of the weekend.; November 21, 2007 at 12:39 PM

j . a . m . k . m . b

Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Oct 2008

Monday, November 19, 2007

Work Slammage...

4 comments:

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