Priorities

August 26, 2012

On January 2, 1982 we found ourselves nestled in a snow bank against the curb at Uncle Bill and Aunt Grace Laing’s home on Campus Drive. We had driven our car and Volkswagen bus from Holbrook, Arizona to begin a new life in Utah. We had pondered long and hard over the decision to make this journey because it would be life-changing. We had carefully and prayerfully considered our priorities and made a decision. It was not without fear and trepidation because we were leaving a job, a home that was almost paid for, a community that held many important parts of our lives, and Arizona.

Our number one priority was to find a place where we could raise our children that would provide them with the best possible opportunities. Could we; should we, would we have stayed in Holbrook? The question is now completely irrelevant. The answer lies in making a plan, seeking heavenly advice, listening to the spirit, then going according to the inspiration received. Thirty years and eight months later many additional questions and answers have come and gone. I look at friends and family now that have had to make significant life-changing decisions and in my never-to-be-humble opinion, I would suggest that each time a decision is made the two factors of inspiration/personal revelation and family be held uppermost in mind.

Scott, Amy, and family determined many years ago to go to Las Vegas, Nevada and make that their home. They have stuck with that decision through literally hundreds of changes, modifications, great successes, unbelievable trials, and years spent wisely raising their children in a home where Heavenly Father is a constant, where love for each other is evident to all, and life has blessed them with the blessings commensurate with these factors. Again, could they have done just as well, or better somewhere else? They certainly could have, but only if they put God and family first.

Daniel, Teresa and family made a move coincident with the passing of Teresa’s father, the birth of their son Thomas, a transfer in his engineering job, and a myriad of miscellaneous goodies. Because they have remained faithful in their religion, maintained love, respect, and spirituality in their home, they have been able to successfully maintain their first priorities in worshiping God and doing what is best for their family. Could they have done something else and been just as successful? They certainly could have but only if they put God and family first.

Those who have the blessing of having children and grand children must consider our responsibility to them first. If we are fortunate enough to have a spouse, they come mighty high on the food. It is with the combined knowledge, wisdom, and desires that major decisions are most correctly addressed and answered. We have moved many times in our 47 years of marriage. Each time we have done so with the full advice and consent of the other. In the last few years, we have made decisions based on proximity to grand children and health. We moved to Southern Utah because we felt it would be better for my breathing problems. We are moving back because the house we were house sitting will no longer be available and because Grandmother has a huge hole in her heart when she is unable to share her life on a daily basis with these marvelous children of our Heavenly Father.

Could we; should we; would we stay in Toquerville where the people are absolutely fantastic. Sure, but the decision has been made after significant prayer, inspiration, and determination to do whatever is necessary to consecrate our lives to helping those we are directed to serve.

God bless you in your times of decision making and determining life’s paths.

D. Duane Jacobs, Father, grand Father, brother, uncle, cousin, and incredible friends