Reflections

February 2, 2014

Today was one of those days in which I found myself completely overwhelmed with the things, the people, and the lessons of life. We were participating in the baby blessing of Kennedy Jessa Jacobs, our granddaughter. Both David and Susan are from large families so we had a marvelous cross section of family and friends in attendance. Just or the record, I am a firm believer in the Holy Ghost (spirit), God the Father, his Son, Jesus Christ, and all things spiritual. My personal belief is that we are watched over by ministering angels directed by Jesus through the Holy Ghost.  Further, that we are prompted by real persons previously in our lives who now guide us to others who are in need of assistance.

 I have had undeniable  personal experiences with these marvelous guides in both assisting me in times of question and peril, and nudging me (sometimes very forcefully) to give comfort, share time, or provide resources for those in need. Many times these individuals are family or close friends, but on numerous occasions we have stopped to assist those in need on the road, in restaurants, in church, in hospitals, and just about any other place one might imagine. The rarest possibility of all (somewhere between slim and none) exists that sometimes one of these occasions may be simple chance; however, when looked at in the aggregate, it becomes completely impossible that they are anything other than the power of God in our lives.

Andy, our son and his family went though such a struggle this week as they were given opportunities to bless the family of a young fourteen year old lad that had passed away. Because of their love of God, their unwavering loyalty to their friends and family, and because understand that this life is an opportunity to reach, achieve, love, grasp, and fulfill all that we are asked to do. After this life, we move on to other activities to great for us to comprehend. As difficult as it is to see a friend or loved one move through the veil, we understand and recognize the blessings of doing all we can.

My sister, Lynda, is running out of kidney use and is now on hospice. As though as this is on the whole family, I can share with you in complete truthfulness that she has grasped the purpose of life, is fulfilled in her understanding of life eternal and has never been more at peace. This is truly one of the greatest joys of my life. She could have passed through the veil many times in her life, but needed to be here until she had completed her mission. Totally inspiring! God has a plan. When we work the plan to the best of our ability we come to the end satisfied and fulfilled.

During the testimony meeting (a sacrament meeting in which members of the congregation have an opportunity to share their thoughts about God) I found myself thinking about Susan’s parents. They have both gone on and were obviously missed at this meeting. Grandmother Lucy (my mother) was on my mind the entire time. I looked out and saw many of my grandchildren and they tried to take in the beauty of the blessing ordinance. My Sydney was especially fond of Grandmother Lucy and I believe she was thinking the same thoughts I was. Was Grandmother Lucy with us as a spiritual minister? Others, no doubt were thinking about Barbara and Sheldon Franson. Were they there too? For the disbelievers this is a non-starter because they do not believe in anyone or anything after this life. Boy, are they in for a surprise.

For me, I am going to keep on truckin’. I am amazed I am still around at the tender young age of 70. I suspect that means I will have to keep working on my temper, my goodness, helping others achieve, forgiving my enemies and those who have done wrong by me. I will especially need to reach out to those I have wronged and beg their forgiveness. Then, perhaps I will be able to graduate and move on to the next phase of eternity.

God bless each of you as you live life to the fullest. May you come to calm and resolute understandings about God, life, and eternity.

Duane Jacobs, grandfather, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend