When we grow up

November 25, 2012

The process of growing up chronologically is about the same for everyone. Day to day we see little change. When we are toddlers, we have no clue about age and life-spans. When we are youngsters, we live for the activities surrounding us and see those older than us as some kind of aliens from outer space.  Then we get into our teens and find everything changing. We begin to get a glimpse of the cycle of life and how we were youngsters, now we were teens, and sometime in the far distant future, we would become ancient like our parents and other aliens.

Daniel, one of our sons and I were discussing a “Mormon” thing known as Family Home Evening. He was asking how we made it through these activities with minimal physical and mental harm. I said, “Oh, you mean the Monday Night Fights.“ As difficult as it was for us and is for his family now, the concept is an absolute blessing in the lives of those who participate. In addition to it being an activity that is highly recommended by the Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; family activities which bless lives through communication, reflection, and spiritual awareness are encouraged and fostered by many, the world over. Is it difficult? Certainly! Anytime members of a family get together for meals, for vacations, or for special purposes they will learn things like respect, caring for others, the desire to be part of a family unit, and many others.

One of these, caring for others, is the most important things we can do at any time in our lives.  We encounter people everywhere working to bless the lives of others. When we are youngsters we have a natural desire to help others by providing hugs, helping other children when they fall, or are otherwise having a difficult time. Teenagers are just as giving, except they are much more selective in their desires to assist others. Most of us as adults are well intentioned and want to do things to assist others; however, there are some who simply have a huge portion of the spirit of Christ, the pure love of Christ, or, Charity. My father would have liked people to think he was all gruff and no bluff; however, he liked to assist people. On one occasion we found a family was staying with us because they had no place to go. On another a man without anything, perched in one of our motel rooms attempting to pay for his board and room by doing things around the place.

It is a blessing of the highest magnitude to be charitable. We have many things to offer of which financial assistance is usually the most prominent; however, loving acts, helping someone in a time of crises, helping the very young, or the very old, or the infirmed, or those who struggle with spiritual questions, or those who find that their mind is not exactly like others. Personal love for our family is at the top of the list.

My challenge is for everyone. Look around. Seek out those who have needs that you may be able to assist. Listen to the Holy Ghost, to ministering angels, and to your own senses; then do some to bless the lives of others.

Duane Jacobs, pops, grandpa, uncle, brother, cousin, and fond friend