Gratitude

A little over a week ago, Charise’s grandma passed away.  Her grandpa had passed away about 18 months prior.  As I thought about them reunited in the spirit world along with other family member, I thought about how grateful I am to have the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, the Plan of Happiness.  Charise’s grandparents always treated me like family even before I actually became family.  They always sent me a birthday card expressing their love for me.  Both of their lives were very painful at the end and I’m glad that they are able to rest now.

            I’m so grateful for the people in my life that have filled it with joy and happiness.  For parents that love me, support me, and that have taught me to build a firm foundation in Christ.  As a parent myself, I now have a better understanding of the sacrifices that my parents have made in my behalf.  I’m grateful for siblings and friends that are there to life me up and make me happy during difficult times.  I’m grateful for the example of teachers, leaders, and mentors that I’ve followed, especially those that loved me as their own child.  Most of all, I’m grateful for a wife of almost 10 years who I trust and rely on.  Not only do I trust her complete fidelity, but I trust her to always be there.  She has sacrificed so much for me and our family.  She’s given birth to three beautiful children and has followed me around the world.  I’m lucky to have her and am forever grateful for her companionship.

More thoughts...

After reading Charles Handy’s article, “What’s a Business For?”, below are some personal thoughts and take-aways.

Virtue and integrity are important to the economy because it brings balance and financial equality.  Greed and dishonesty result in the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.  Businesses that lack virtue and integrity, and are self-serving, will not endure over time.  A stable economy necessitates honest, stable, and enduring businesses.

The business world justifies financial success because making a profit allows a company to do something more or even better, or maybe change the world.

Two of Handy’s business ideals that I agree with include working less hours, but more efficiently and doing no harm.  I know that I personally work better and am more productive when I’ve had sufficient rest.  Rest includes sleep and leisure.  I find it very important to recharge my batteries often, if I want my brain to be sharp and motivated.  As a medical professional “doing no harm” has deep meaning for me.  We can’t bulldoze our way through life with our own agenda.  We may feel like we are making great progress, not noticing the path of devastation we’ve left behind.  The great businesses of the world seem to mold and shape their business ideas around what’s best for their clients, customers, and society. 

I was also touched this week as I watched/listened to Elder Gay’s talk, “Entrepreneurship and Consecration.”  I couldn’t help but think of an experience I had in Africa.  I was only in country for a short 24 hours and met a native nice young man trying to make a living.  He was an entrepreneur or sorts, talking with tourists and trying to sell his personal art work.  His tactics were creative.  A two-hour personal tour of the city led up to a plea for a donation.  At that point, I was happy to donate even without receiving one or two of his master pieces.  He took a big risk investing so much time in two tourists, but it was worth the pay off in the end and very deserving.  I will forever remember this young man.  He freely served me without contractual obligation, once I was satisfied, only then did he ask for a donation.  And that donation even came with a personalized souvenir, a memorable memento.  So much to learn from a man born in humble circumstance.  Could I survive off of donations for my services?  Would I provide a better service without knowing the end profit?

Money and Rest

       I have a good attitude toward money.  As a husband and a father, money is the substance to provide for the needs of my family.  I don't worship money or think about it all the time but it is important and needs to be managed appropriately.  Currently, I feel very blessed for the money I have.  All my basic needs are met, as well as my families.  If I were to worship money it would consume me and I wouldn't ever have time to think about anything else. All my personal relationships would be negatively affected. If I had the thought that money could buy me happiness it would take me only a short time to realize that fault.  If I viewed money as a means to serve others, only then would it bring happiness. I firmly believe that paying tithing and fast offerings perpetuates a righteous view of money. Being a faithful tithe payer has blessed me with the financial security I have today and will continue to bless me.  According to Stephen W. Gibson the rules to prosper are as follows: seek the lord and have hope in him, keep the commandments including temporal ones, think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant, take advantage of chances for learning, learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated, and do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.
      I have thought a lot about rest after reading chapter 7 in A Field Guide for a Heros Journey.  I agree with the phrase "All work and no play makes johny a dull boy".  Through out my long academic career, I have always set aside Sunday as a day of rest from my studies. After a long intense week of studying I was always relieved when Sunday came. It was a great excuse to not study.  Striving to keep the sabbath day holy can give you the power and energy to get through very difficult curriculum. I've also lived by the adage, work hard play hard. I remember some long weeks that Sunday wasn't always enough and I needed additional time for a mental break. The activities I would choose were usually fun and physically demanding. These activities and mental breaks would restore my flame to push forward with clear thoughts and mental endurance. Currently I'm very grateful for home life.  The demands and stresses at work can be quickly washed away when greeted at home by a happy child or loving wife.  Occasionally I find it difficult to rest. I always have a feeling I should be doing something.  These feelings most liking have been instilled in me by my father who never seems to rest even on his "time off".  I sometimes wish that we had taken more family vacations growing up.   I worry that as I continue to pursue my goal of becoming veterinary practice owner, life will get busier and this principle of rest will fall fast to the bottom of the priority list of things to do. I will have to plan for rest or it will probably not happen.  Luckily I have a wife that will remind me to rest once in awhile.

Wayne

I couldn’t help but think of a great co-worker while reading chapter 4 of A Field Guide for the Hero’s Journey.  Out of the 4.5 years that I’ve served in the military, there’s one that stands out by far.  It’s the one year that was most productive and the one year that I was excited to go to work.  Wayne was my co-worker.  We complemented each other well, not to mention our personalities were very similar.  Our roles and responsibilities were quite different, but there was equal respect.  Because of our similar humor, I felt like I could be myself.  He was smart, competent, confident, experienced, and I had complete trust in him.  For this reason, I could concentrate on tasks that only I could perform.  Our combined work ethic allowed us to perform exponentially better than others that I’ve been partnered with, which in turn, allowed for needed down time and unwinding.  He placed his confidence in me even when I doubted myself and hopefully, I instilled in him self-confidence and endless potential.  If I could hand pick a co-worker in the future, it would be him and if I couldn’t have him, I’d want someone exactly like him.  I’ve realized that who you work with makes all the difference.  I’ve also recognized that I need humor to be better.  All those that I’ve ever worked with that had a sense of humor were the best co-workers.  They can brighten your day and lighten the burden of a poor outcome.  Thanks for a great, unforgettable year, Wayne!