I’ve taken a brief hiatus from writing, but thought it was a good time to jump back in. As my site is called Gut Reactions, there is an opportunity to not only discuss my weight loss efforts (the reactions of my gut) but also to pick up any topic I would like. Granted, this isn’t a reaction without much thought put into it, so I’m falling short in that meaning. Mea culpa.
Today I had the opportunity to speak in my church’s congregation. I was given a couple of articles to work off of, but largely given the autonomy to speak as I felt prompted around the day’s meaning. I thought I would share some of the thoughts I had there and expound upon them.
Mother’s Day, for me, has always been an opportunity to reflect on the women in my life and the way they have and continue to positively influence me. I frequently learn many lessons from their lives (sometimes the same lesson over and over due to my hard-headedness).
Here are some of the things which I am grateful for and for those things they have taught me:
I am grateful for my birth mother. She made some choices in her life that lead her to a situation that she wasn’t expecting or prepared for. I’m grateful for her unselfishness in allowing me to go to a family that was looking for a baby boy at that time. I’m grateful that she allowed herself to follow the promptings of God and make a choice that, though she believed it to be right, would still fill her with doubt for the next 37 years until I found her again and could let her know that her sacrifice was and continues to be a wonderful blessing in my life. In a world that more frequently teaches that it’s okay to just make an unwanted pregnancy go away, I’m glad that she focus on what would be easiest for her and remembered that it wasn’t only her body her choice was about.
I’m grateful for my mom. I was not the easiest child to raise. I once threw all of my toys (and some of my sisters) out my second story bedroom window with my best friend one autumn morning. I learned actions have consequences and my hands wouldn’t be as cold as soon as I found my gloves which had also gone out the window. I also once decided it was a good idea to take a meat cleaver to the edge of the silverware drawer. I cannot explain why in the world I did that (I think just the way it impacted and made impressions on the wood fascinated me) and didn’t have that moment of “if they see this you’ll be in SOOO much trouble” until I had enjoyed myself for quite awhile. My genius plan of using peanut butter as an adhesive for hot chocolate powder did a pretty good job of concealing the misdead, if I do say so myself. Er, that is, of course, until they went to open the drawer (note: peanut butter does not solidify very quickly). Actions have consequences. I was also a difficult teenager, willful and argumentative. This lead to choices that weren’t always the best for me. I’m grateful that my mom continued to love me and bear with me until I was able to get over myself somewhat and realize the impact my choices were having on my future. She continued to love me and has more pride in me than I deserve.
I’m grateful for a Sister who was a trainer when I was in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) before I went to Mexico for two year. I had a companion who was a little stubborn (not nearly as much as I was) and it lead to some contentious moments. This wonderful sister took me aside and let me know exactly what I was doing and how it was impacting other missionaries. I don’t generally do great taking criticism. It embarrasses me and causes me to wall up. But the way she was able to “instruct” me was done in such a kind and loving way resonated with me as fully as if the Savior was telling me to be better. It helped me be a better missionary and a better person and is something that I have reflected upon much in my life.
I’m grateful for my mother-in-law. She has been living with us for many years, and has struggled through much heartbreak and medical issues. While she has been with us she has done everything she could do to love, support, and care for my children. What’s more, even with all of the difficulties she has gone through, I have never once heard her complain about the trials she has been given. She has been an example of pushing through the difficult times and being patient in afflictions. Her resiliency has amazed me time and again.
Finally I’m grateful for my wife. As I said earlier today, one of the greatest testaments I have to greatness of my wife is just how wonderful my children are. She has done a great job ensuring that they take after her positive traits and ignore their fathers negative ones. She loves her children, loves me, works fulltime and has still had the dedication to go back to college and finish her degree which she will finally complete later this year. I can’t think of a time where we have felt the need to raise our voices at one another out of anger. She is the cement that holds our family’s eternal foundation together and I am forever grateful that I will have her by my side throughout eternity. She has helped me become a better man and I want to continually do better for her.
For me, Mother’s Day is not just about the mother who raised me (though she is very important to me). It is about all of the women in my life who have guided me with their natural goodness. This includes my sisters, my sister-in-laws, my aunts, my grandparents, and my cousins. It also includes the many friends and acquaintances I have had over the years including all of those I have worked with (and continue to work with). Although I may not have said it to you directly, you have positively influenced my life and I thank you for that.
