New Beginnings

December 30, 2012

Happy new year, to one and all! Absolutely incredible as it may seem, we are wrapping up another year. Before grandmother Lucy was twinkled, we used to discuss how as we get older there are actually less days in a week. Instead of the traditional seven, there are only Thursdays and Sundays. You older kids just watch; in a few weeks you will easily see the pattern. Sunday comes; we enjoy the sacrament, the spiritual lessons, and family; then, in a flash it is Thursday again, and we are looking forward to Sunday. Those under 60 will simply not grasp the idea, but should they live long enough, they will find it absolutely true.

Years go by much the same way. First it is January and the excitement of wonderful new beginnings, pleasant goals, challenges, and new year’s resolutions; then it is Easter and all the glory of understanding the death, resurrection, and atonement of Jesus Christ – Lord of Lord and King of Kings. Just as quickly as you can say it, we are celebrating the birth of our great nation, conceived in liberty, by and for the people; a nation of freedoms endowed by God through the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. Somewhere on the freeway of life comes recognition that Fall is in the air and with it a new sense of wonder and awe as we prepare for the celebration of our Savior’s birth. The Christmas season is now upon us having zipped past Thanksgiving and it’s marvelous universal healing, sharing, and love for our fellow beings.

Christmas is a time for soul searching and true introspection. Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go when we lay this mortal body down? It is my absolute belief and testimony that we came here to this earth directly from the presence of our Heavenly Father. We choose to do so in order to have our spirits united with a body of flesh and blood and live as best we can beyond the veil of understanding, through faith in our Heavenly Father. What we do while in mortality is the key to making everything logical. An equally important factor is the why. Why do we eat? Why do we go to school? Why do we attempt to be honorable in our dealings with our fellow beings? If we do anything out of fear or of making others happy, we are on the wrong boat. We need to do things because we understand the plan of salvation and want to serve God, serve our friends/neighbors/enemies because we love God and want to return to his presence and there enjoy the eternities.

Life is short and final. We leave this rock and enter into the next realm with whatever we have gleaned in the form of intelligence and knowledge and we glory in the work to be done.

Thank you to all of my wonderful family and friends. You are a blessing and an absolute joy in my life. God Bless you as you continue on the exciting road of life.

Duane Jacobs, Grandfather, popsa, uncle, cousin, brother, and fond friend