It is telling that both of these things bring about improvement in things we can control. Things we can act upon. We cannot improve others no matter how much we complain, gripe, encourage etc. they have to want to change themselves. We can certainly support and help when Ray want to but often we frustrate ourselves in life when we try to change others instead of ourselves. This also turns our thoughts away from selfishness and towards wanting to be better that we can make lives better around us because of who we have become. And as we serve others, we get outside ourselves and seek to relieve some aspect of another's life. Whatever that may be. One great way is to service in our callings and to engage in temple and family history work. As we serve others our own problems diminish, our own cares melt away, our focus turns to bringing joy to others and as we do, joy comes to us. The more we give away the more we get. It's an eternal truth.
So yet again we are blessed in ways we never expect, never really "need", and completely out of the blue. One of the evenings this week I got a call from Home Depot. I thought it strange but told Alysia to answer as she was close to the phone. They asked for Dan or Val Smith. So Lys gives me the phone and the man indicates an anonymous donor has left a gift card for us to buy a new mower. No other words, just a plea to come get it soon. So I did later that night in bewilderment as to why this would be. It is enough to get a new mower to replace our gem Ty found in the garbage at citywide cleanup 3 years ago. And has been serving us well but has been giving us real issues this year. I think I had it figured out as a bad carburetor float but now it is not getting fixed.
We listed it in Craigslist and it was gone in 15 mins. I hope it can serve someone well. We get blessed for doing right by God with all our hearts and minds, and being pleased with what we have at all times.
I had a new MBA intern start this week that is undergrad from BYU. He and his wife and baby came to dinner today and it was nice to meet them. It was fun to talk to them and find out more about them. I think mom had fun taking care of the baby a lot. She was cute.
I have been way busy at work with new kinds of things. New meaning the usual I have done is now being done by other planners and I am spending more time on longer range things and building the right organization to support the regular projects we have. It is always a new challenge and helps me be better. But it sure keeps me hopping.
I challenged all the youth tonight to read The Living Christ and I extend that same to you. It's only one page but if you do it with real intent, it will touch you about those who testify of Christ and especially of he whom they testify of.
Love you forever,
Dad
3 John 1:4
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