Lessons We Learn

As much as I don't want this to sound editorialized, it probably will. Our sacrament meeting was a high point speaker given by our Bishop Jim Payne. He has averaged speaking about once a month, sometimes twice. No matter. He gets to the point and the content of his talked really gave me food for thought.

So I ask forgiveness up front if I apply it to myself and my family.

Life is to be lived in the moment. Life is too short to carry grudges or to let incidents fester into our minds to cancor (sic) the soul over what we believe are someone else's faults. I know I have heard that analogy before so insert it here for what it is worth. I know I fall short sometimes and I know the Savior's love for me helps me get through the forgiving part toward others.

We cannot forgive others alone nor do it on our own. It is a gift of the atonement from the Savior and I know the Savior suffered the pains of our illnesses (infirmities) and our sins which caused Him to bleed from every pore. He was sinless, yet he was the sacrifice to redeem us all. I am thankful for his great love for each of us.

I am reminded of the Doctrine & Covenants, section 121. The tribulation in our lives are but a moment, and gives us experience. Nevertheless, the way we learn to overcome ourselves is to have the pure love of Christ when we feel the need to judge others. I have found that judging someone else opens me up for that same trial. Believe me. It is not worth the stress to experience someone else's pain for having been judgmental. I look back at some of my trials and know the source. The older I am, the wiser I become, although I have not reached perfection yet.

I pray that each of us can have compassion for others in their struggles instead of being quick to judge. We never know the entire story inside out. Only God does, and I leave the judgment to Him. The more I forgive, the more I am forgiven. It is a beautiful concept and want to be on the Lord's side when it comes to judging.

July 7, 1988 after Anita's funeral. A rare picture and last time we were altogether alive as family. I know we will be together again some day, and be reunited with my younger brother, Albert.

I want to only have love in my heart for everyone and be understanding without judgment. I learned from the example of my parents and pray my children will learn from me.