Common errors by common people

October 14, 2012

Over the span of sixty nine years I have had the great pleasure of making just about every error known to man. No, I am not talking about the seven deadly sins or anything in their category. I am simply admitting that every day I make some error in fact, in perception, or in design. This all goes to prove that I am absolutely human and susceptible to the frailties and foibles of our species.

This pattern of errors began when I was very young, living in Concho. My brother was two years older than me and his friends were at least two years older than him. Not understanding that these kids had better motor skills and less desire to avoid challenges; I would follow them and at least attempt to do everything they did. I suspect that they even set me up to take challenges that they didn’t dare. At five years old my forehead became known as my bumper because of the many bangs and cuts I endured. I had fallen down stairs, broken a coke bottle with rocks in it as I ran after “peers”; caught a wasp with my bumper as I attempted to enter an attic vent while on a twelve foot ladder; and, well you get the idea.

Errors in judgment went beyond mashing my body. I was enticed into the world of girls at a very early age. I have often commented about my “Latin lover” instincts and attempted to blame my intense interest in this genealogical fact, and many other things. The simple truth is that I have no idea why I would end up in situations that I deeply regret all these years later. I doubt that the notions I had would send me to the bowels of hell; but, certainly enough to apologize and ask forgiveness for even after all these years. I remember coming home from Concho Elementary with a neighbor friend, C P. Right out of the blue I recall her saying, “I will show you mine if you show me yours.” We were seven years old and it was more like sharing an ice cream cone, than participating in any type of intimacy, but we did go inside an old adobe house and share a look at each other’s private parts. Soon after that while at Charlie’s bunkhouse Charlie asked his sister Leanne (about five) to show us her body which she did by running across the room in her nothings.

I honestly have no idea whether others faced these experimental stages. I do know that each thing we do in life acts as an anchor and a building block to our future. Each step becomes intractable the moment we do the deed – good or bad. A look back in my life since those experiences leaves me with nothing but joy and appreciation for my fantastic wife, Jean and for her understanding, love, and compassion for one of God’s weakest children. I can recall so many times in my life when I could have gone completely off the rail. I often speak of the Iron Rod (The word of God). Again, I reaffirm my complete commitment and love for God the Father, for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the Holy Ghost.

I continue to have errors in judgment. One of my most precious scriptures (Moroni 10:32) shares our job in this life and tells me how to rid myself of some of the decadence I find in my life’s sketch. “Come unto Christ and be perfected in him; rid yourself of all ungodliness. I firmly believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can all return to our Father’s kingdom and enjoy the eternities growing and learning and achieving that eternal peace for which we all aspire.

God bless each of you as you live lives of joy and peace.