So, today is my birthday. I am 34 today. That makes about 12410 days of my life.
I can't help but think about some of the things great men have done in the course of their lives, especially those that have been tragically cut short. I know it's not fair to compare my life with theirs - they were great men and had unique opportunities and challenges that they responded nobly to. I just wonder how I measure up. It's not a self-depreciation thing - it's a self-evaluation and motivation thing.
Dr. King was only 39 when he was tragically killed in Memphis. He changed the world. He touched all of us whether we know it or not.
Joseph Smith was 38 when he was killed in Carthage, Illinois. He founded one of the world's great religions and had a name and a fame which cannot be extinguished. He had done more than any other man for the salvation of men in the world save Jesus Christ. He translated the Book of Mormon. He restored the priesthood authority. He reintroduced temple worship and work for the dead. He was the best man of the 19th century, and he gave his life for his belief.
Thomas S. Monson is still living - our current Prophet and President. He was called as a bishop at age 22 and as a Stake President at age 27. He was called to be a mission president at age 32, and at age 36 he was called to be an Apostle - the youngest called since Joseph Fielding Smith, who was called at age 33.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate, of course. He was crucified when only 33 or 34. The record is not entirely clear on the exact date of His birth, the length of His ministry, or His age at death. He also changed the world. He also gave his life. He also is still living.
I have a lot of work to do.
On the other hand, Ghandi lived to be 78. He changed the world dramatically towards the end of his life.
There have been countless others who have lived lives that were full and rich and lengthy. So what have I done?
I graduated from HS when I was 17. I went to boot camp and served in the Navy Reserve for 6 years. I served a mission in Korea for two years. I went to BYU for a year and a half. I lived in Michigan for 3 years while working in a factory to support my wife through grad school. I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Architecture and a master's degree in Urban Planning. I have worked for a general contractor for a year, in a call center (as a supervisor) for five years, as a planning intern for 6 months, as an associate planner for six months, and now as the City Planner for Mont Belvieu for over a year. I have been married for more than twelve years. I have two beautiful, intelligent, and loving children who are my absolute pride and joy.
I have been blessed, and I am grateful. I look at the men in the world who are great and have made a difference and I hope I can do the same.
Life is good. God is good.
I can't help but think about some of the things great men have done in the course of their lives, especially those that have been tragically cut short. I know it's not fair to compare my life with theirs - they were great men and had unique opportunities and challenges that they responded nobly to. I just wonder how I measure up. It's not a self-depreciation thing - it's a self-evaluation and motivation thing.
Dr. King was only 39 when he was tragically killed in Memphis. He changed the world. He touched all of us whether we know it or not.
Joseph Smith was 38 when he was killed in Carthage, Illinois. He founded one of the world's great religions and had a name and a fame which cannot be extinguished. He had done more than any other man for the salvation of men in the world save Jesus Christ. He translated the Book of Mormon. He restored the priesthood authority. He reintroduced temple worship and work for the dead. He was the best man of the 19th century, and he gave his life for his belief.
Thomas S. Monson is still living - our current Prophet and President. He was called as a bishop at age 22 and as a Stake President at age 27. He was called to be a mission president at age 32, and at age 36 he was called to be an Apostle - the youngest called since Joseph Fielding Smith, who was called at age 33.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate, of course. He was crucified when only 33 or 34. The record is not entirely clear on the exact date of His birth, the length of His ministry, or His age at death. He also changed the world. He also gave his life. He also is still living.
I have a lot of work to do.
On the other hand, Ghandi lived to be 78. He changed the world dramatically towards the end of his life.
There have been countless others who have lived lives that were full and rich and lengthy. So what have I done?
I graduated from HS when I was 17. I went to boot camp and served in the Navy Reserve for 6 years. I served a mission in Korea for two years. I went to BYU for a year and a half. I lived in Michigan for 3 years while working in a factory to support my wife through grad school. I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Architecture and a master's degree in Urban Planning. I have worked for a general contractor for a year, in a call center (as a supervisor) for five years, as a planning intern for 6 months, as an associate planner for six months, and now as the City Planner for Mont Belvieu for over a year. I have been married for more than twelve years. I have two beautiful, intelligent, and loving children who are my absolute pride and joy.
I have been blessed, and I am grateful. I look at the men in the world who are great and have made a difference and I hope I can do the same.
Life is good. God is good.
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