What were they thinking?

October 12, 2013

We talk; we share; we act; we react; meanwhile, others are engaged in reacting to our doings. On a recent outing where Jean and I were to share a bit of ourselves, Jean was sharing something very near and dear with a group of students. Not being sensitive to her reaction or feelings; I picked up a music batten sitting on the whiteboard ledge and like some kind of silly goose began beating out the beat to a non-existent tune. On our way home, my sweetheart shared with me that I had hurt her feelings and asked me not to be such a goose again. Of course, I apologized and felt terrible; but the real point is; why had I done such a childish thing and more importantly, after forty nine years of acquaintance had I not known that this action would embarrass her and make her feel bad.

Another person began sharing his feelings about facial hair. Now we all know that most of the ancient and modern prophets of God have worn magnificent beards. In this instance he was quoting a modern Prophet as he discussed beard wearing during the Vietnam War era with its countless protesters. These protesters were screaming out about everything that was part of “mainstream” cultural and activity. What were they thinking? What was Kimball thinking and sharing when he encouraged all to be clean shaven? Why was his admonition different than if he had been talking during the late 1800’s when beards were part of mainstream America?

Right now, we hear some declaring organized religion to be just a handy crutch for the weak. They listen to those who have held fast to the iron rod – the word of God – and think us silly little puppets, jumping to the tune of some rich fat-cat, with no mind or will of our own. What are they thinking? Do they really believe this drivel, or are they doing a boatload of soul searching and using this rhetoric as a personal tool for searching out reality. Better yet, what are we thinking? Are we simply playing a role, or do we have absolute and firm testimony and resolve to honor our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ? These are great questions to ask ourselves in our two-in-the-morning encounters with our spirit and the Holy Ghost.

I had an opportunity to share a few thoughts with our church congregation this morning and I spent most of the time sharing how blessed I was to be in their presence. We are all imperfect. We all wish we could go back and recapture words or deeds that have made negative marks in our book of life. My desire was to share with those in attendance my personal testimony of God and witness to his name.  More than that though, I wanted them to know that our differences in thought and action exist because we are unique. As adults our job is to encourage and assist I blessing the lives of others by setting good examples of Christ like love. What are they thinking when you do dumb things? What are they thinking when you love people, regardless of their warts?

We live charmed lives. We have pains, illnesses, mental difficulties, intelligence limitations, foot in mouth disease, and all the other debilitating elements in our lives, but we live with temporal and spiritual blessings unheard of in any period of history. Love each other. Be kind to each other. Look for ways to avoid inflicting mental, spiritual, and physical pain on those who surround you. Reach out to those that may be feeling the pain of living in financial turmoil, in broken homes, in broken relationships, in conflict with their knowledge of the way they should live, and in lives of total disarray.

God bless each of us as we work toward the races finish. May we not only endure to the end, but bring a small degree of dignity, hope and love to others.

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