j . a . m . k . m . b: the latest

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, July 14, 2010

the latest

I don't have time for a huge update, but here's what's going on:

Kennan and Morgan still in Utah with LeBras/Drake cousins and having a ball. They have been well-cared for, and kept busy with fun activities and good things. But ... we miss them like crazy and can't wait to see them again very soon!
I've been going through some struggles at work, and am in a bit of a valley in terms of how I feel about my professional life and career. I know these things come and go, and family support and hard work - combined with lots of prayer - will help me get going again.
Angela's started running and working out again after girls camp duties and her sickness following have finally wrapped up. She's enjoying summer days with Brig and Micah - swimming, running club, beach trip yesterday, friends, etc.
Angela and Micah spent last weekend in San Francisco as Micah's main birthday present. They went with good friends Becky and Elizabeth Fuchs, and did fun girl things like shop, see the latest Twilight movie, and eat good food. I've realized a week into Micah's teenagerhood that she's still pretty much the same good girl ... so far :-)
I've been swimming and riding my bike as much as I can - I've been really enjoying getting back into fitness since my knee is feeling better (no running still though), and it makes me feel better about myself when I'm working at it.
My 20 year high school reunion is in a few weeks. I'm really looking forward to seeing old friends and catching up with people I haven't talked to for many years. Facebook connections have been a really good way for me to reunite with many, so it'll be good to see people face to face.
Trip to Utah coming up for family reunion and ample time to hang out with the Fam - we're excited!