j . a . m . k . m . b: Christmas Success

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."

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas Success

Just a quick note to tell you what a great Christmas we had. Our plans
were forced to change at the last minute thanks to a massive Christmas
Eve snowstorm and a poor little boy who threw up a dozen times during
that day, so we couldn't go to the cabin for a rustic Christmas
morning. We were bummed, but we made up for it with plenty of good
family time.

It's been great spending quality time with family on both sides, and
the food's been tremendous. Thank goodness for a couple of good
basketball games to work off all the holiday eats.

We were all excited about the gifts we gave and received, and we're so
grateful for everyone's generosity. The kids were spoiled as usual,
and it was fun for Santa to see that he/she nailed the presents.

Dave and Meredith had their baby at about 10:45 on Christmas Eve night
(only a week overdue). Mere and baby Bea (Beatrice) are doing great.
We really miss Nate and Jenny and their boys who are still back in
Philly thanks to Nate's stinky job.

BYU pulled out another miraculous win in their bowl game, and a Texas
win tomorrow would be icing on the cake.

And we're thankful for the Savior at this Christmas time, and for
family both near and far.

OK, I guess that wasn't really just a quick note...

1 comment:

Janae Downey said...: Dear John & Angela-- I was afraid we had lost touch with your family, and then Krista gave me your blogspot address over Thanksgiving when we got together for lunch. I just have to say that John writes a fun blog to read! He inspired me to give it a try (lasvegasdowneys.blogspot.com)
Talking about Christmas cards, we didn't get yours! And I don't have a correct address to send you our Christmas card. So hopefully you get this comment and maybe send us an e-mail at jasonandjanae@msn.com with your correct address. We are doing well in Las Vegas, just had a baby girl after 4 boys! She is so fun! I think Brig is the cutest kid and you have beautiful daughters! Hope to hear from you soon! JaNae Downey (Angela's old roommate if you don't remember).; December 26, 2007 at 2:42 PM

j . a . m . k . m . b

Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Oct 2008

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas Success

1 comment:

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