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Dad

I have related before the miraculous conditions under which I was born. I have also related how much my father means to me - how much of an influence he has had, and continues to have, on my life. In a larger sense, I would say that there is no greater miracle in this life than seeing some one's heart transformed through the gentle and sweet persuasions of the Holy Spirit. This is a miracle that few are able to behold. It is a privilege and an honor to be associated with a family where these conditions were conducive to such a miracle in my own life.

I am NOT ignorant of my father's weaknesses. He is a man like any other. Even Superman had a weakness, one that was repeatedly exploited by those who wanted control over him or others. But I am reminded of the scripture that says (3 Nephi 8:1)

...he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity...

My father has taught me to be a righteous priesthood holder through his example.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit a sister in our ward who is in a rehabilitation center. She has not been able to attend regular meetings for several months, but desired the miracle of the sacrament in her life. Her home teacher asked if we could take it over to her. I was able to be on hand as a newly ordained priest and the 1st counsellor in the young men's presidency administered the sacrament to her. I am always reminded during any administration of the sacrament of the sweet miracle that this sacred ordinance is in our lives. But yesterday was particularly poignant - I could feel the Savior with us in that little room. I could feel his approbation for a service that He would have rendered had He been there. That's what the priesthood is all about.

There is much in this world that is ugly, much that is evil and detrimental. My dad, to my recollection, has never, ever (not even once) engaged in slanderous gossip or negative conversation of any kind. People are just no good, but my dad chooses to focus on the good he has always been able to see in people, hoping for the best while enduring well the worst. He is one of a long line of teasers - it's an art form in our family - but he does not talk about people behind their back to their detriment. And his. He refuses to engage in that kind of conversation. My wife is the same way. I wish I could be like that. More importantly, I hope I can teach my children to be like that, showing the same kind of example.

I would never presume to judge another. Judgment belongs to God alone - and maybe a worthy bishop or stake president. I also firmly believe that God is the only one who knows the thoughts and intents of our heart and will judge us accordingly - not necessarily according to our actions, which may go awry, but according to our true desires. I have to hope for that because of many actions I have taken with the best of desires and hopes which have turned awry... I must hope for mercy. I must also extend that mercy to others...

Thanks, dad, for always being merciful.

Comments

Bill and Valerie Cobabe said…
Son

Thank you for the kind words.

The best thing that can everhappen to a dad is to see his children grow up to be as good as mine are.

Dad
June 16, 2009 at 12:56 PM
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