Life lessons to share

Life has taught us many eternal lessons that we think should be shared. I wish I could sit down one-on-one with you and discuss these things personally. These are the jewels of my life. 

Kathy and I were married in 1973 in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is an extraordinary power in the temple. Our marriage was sealed not just until death but for eternity. This sets a different tone between us. We have tried not to allow temporary things to get in the way of eternal things. Like other couples, we have had health, job, faith, and relationship challenges. But the eternity of our marriage commitment has given us the charge to work through the problems. 

I hope to share some of these lessons here.

I  have often struggled to know if I am doing enough in my service to God. As I have aged, I can do less. Each evening, I have a prayer in which I report to God about my efforts that day. One day in December 2024 had been especially difficult for me. I was under stress from many changes that life was imposing on me. I was in constant pain. At the end of that particular day, I wondered if I had done anything that made a difference. I expressed this in my prayer. I received an impression during this prayer. It simply asked me, "Did you do your best today?" And, yes, I had done the best I could. "That is all you are expected to do." Since then, I have taken great comfort from this moment.

One of the greatest challenges in my life began in 2022, as I had a stroke and began physically deteriorating much younger and faster than I expected. As my contributing ability has diminished, I have struggled to see my value. This and several other stressors caused my bipolar disorder to become unstable late in 2024. With bipolar disorder, I often have multiple voices in my mind, looking to be heard. Most of them are not constructive. This time, I locked onto a mental voice telling me my life was a failure and had no value. I began a downward spiral that was stopped by a priesthood blessing by Church leaders. Although not spiraling downward, I still was not at peace. I was up early one morning, trying to find the peace I once knew. I began by studying the scriptures and then general conference. I ended with prayer. After my prayer, I stopped briefly to listen. A manifestation of God’s love was poured over me. It completely enveloped me and surrounded me with peace and love. I was reminded of our Savior's enormous sacrifice to get me safely home. I was told that my soul is of great worth to Him. I was then taught that judging myself or determining my value is not my place. Only Jesus Christ is qualified to do so. I am required to forgive all offenses—even my own. I must learn to serve and accept life under the conditions life has given me, not the ones I think I should have. I have learned that if a voice tells you you are unloved or without value, it is a false voice. It is a lie. We are all loved. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will do whatever we allow to guide us back home to Them. I hope and pray I will always keep searching until I hear the voice of the Spirit calling me home.