Things

November 4, 2012

The majority of my life has been spent striving to make a living, afford to feed my family, build a nest egg which would provide for our worldly needs and perhaps give us some of the temporal pleasures for which we all seek. We have gained and lost many fortunes and now frequently refer back to a comment my mother, “Grandmother Lucy”, shared with us; “Mi hijito, there is no U Haul to heaven.” When mother graduated to heaven, we went through her things, enjoyed the memories, shared her temporal goods, and went back to our lives, inspired by the good that she had done. She took with her those things most precious – her love for her family, her friends, and God.

When Jean and I were first married we began a long legacy of assisting strays. Young and old, of all ages and ethnicities, they would come to our door through acquaintances, family, or pure circumstance. “Little Ronnie” Davis was the first back in 1965. With each person came the blessing of gleaning a bit of their spirit and knowing that we had been a small blessing in their lives. How great it is to see some on occasion and find that they have survived the trials of life. Recently we have had the pleasure of seeing Silas, David W., Aaron K., Jennifer S, Lynae W., Lynda J.,Charles L., and others. Wow! Do those memories bring joy and stir a desire to do more while we still can.

For every person that became part of our extended family, there are millions that surround us in need of that little nudge; that little lift up enabling them to move forward in their lives. For this reason Grandmother Jean and I have determined that we will establish a small perpetual missionary fund for our children and grandchildren; thus, assisting them in furthering the work of the Lord. It will work similar to the perpetual education program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; obviously, on a much smaller scale. We will provide a portion of the funds needed for each grandchild as they mature and determine to serve the Lord through missionary service. As each family, or returned missionary has the means and desire, they can contribute to this fund; thus, perpetuating this opportunity so others may seek out the sweet blessings of helping others as well.

Our dear friends and cousins, John and Sue Laing will soon return from their missionary service as Temple Workers in the Freiberg Germany Temple. This is their second tour of Love in a row. During this time they have missed many opportunities to share with their family, including the passing of both Uncle Bill and Aunt Grace (John’s parents). Why do they do what they do? Simple because there is no U-haul to heaven and what-so-ever we glean while in mortality that is temporal is for naught if it isn’t used to bless the lives of others.

As I look around I see beautiful people, working and striving to bless their families and serve in the very best way they know how. I see older gentlemen standing on the side of the road with cardboard signs asking for a handout. I see individuals that are tormented be demons, by traumas, by illness, by mental anxiety, by lack of physiological, or basic needs, and all other types of trials. My desire is to be part of the solution. I believe each of us is in a position to reach out to someone in whatever way we may be prompted. Remember! The Spirit of Christ and the Holy Ghost are part of our lives and we are constantly given little nudges suggesting that we visit, that we share, that we care for those in need.

Recently, Jean was shopping in Orem and her thoughts were called to our wonderful friend Shirley Nay. Jean said that she turned left instead of right, went to Shirley’s home and spend the next hour with Shirley and Gardello as they chatted about being back door neighbors and waving out the kitchen window eons ago; about her cancer and imminent passing, enjoying memories and loving thoughts. That was on Friday and on the next Monday morning she passed through the veil. Again, what a blessing it is to each of us as we share in the promptings of the Holy Ghost and ministering angels.

God bless you as you serve your families, your God, your country, and those around you.

Duane Jacobs, Grandfather, pops, Uncle, cousin, and fond friend