Happy Father's Day

It's a Sabbath to honor our fathers

and The Father of us all. 

Enjoy and remember 

all that both have done for you.

Happy Father's Day, Dad

Since today is Father’s Day, I’d like to pay a special tribute to my own father. Because of him I love to read. Because of him I love to write. Because of him I love the scriptures. I have a wonderful mother and I love her dearly, but she and I are so different that sometimes I wonder if we aren’t from different planets. But my dad and I are so much alike that I find it almost eerie how I have ended up living out his dreams.

When I was young I always felt safe when Dad was around. He was a tall, broad shouldered man and I could spot him in a crowd both because he was tall and because he had a very distinct, confident gait. I remember many nights falling asleep to the sound of dad walking through the house turning out lights and locking the doors. I always knew that he was there to safeguard and protect me at all times.

As I grew through the teen years, Dad was always available to talk something through. He always had a story to illustrate his point and he always listened without telling me I shouldn't think or feel what I was feeling.

Growing up I didn’t appreciate all that went into him being the man he was. His parents died before I could know them and so I didn’t realize how he had risen above his environment. The oldest of three boys, Dad was the only one to be active in the Church. One brother later came into the Church, but it was too late for most of his family to be raised with gospel values. But Dad served a mission, married in the temple, was always active, and instilled in his five children (who are all active in the Church) a love for the Savior and a strong desire to do what is right.

I always knew that if I ever needed anything, Dad would be there for me. I miss him, and on this Father’s Day am grateful for the many years he was here for me. I'm confident he's watching over me still.

A Reason to Rejoice

In the Doctrine and Covenants we are commanded to “Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad” (128:22). As Elder Holland remarked in a talk a while back, this may be the most disobeyed commandment the Lord has given.

The problem is that we live in a telestial world where many terrible things happen. We hear of natural disasters killing hundreds of people. We hear of evil acts perpetrated by our fellow human beings. We encounter problems daily because of health, finances, disappointments, relationships, etc. Everywhere we look there are negative situations that make it difficult to rejoice not the least of which is our own tendency to sin.

So how do we keep a commandment to rejoice always? Instead of dwelling on the negative around us, we dwell on the good. We take every opportunity to savor the good and today–Father’s Day–is one of those opportunities. Not only should we rejoice over our mortal fathers, but today we should rejoice over our Heavenly Father. He loves us. He created this world for us. He provided an amazing plan whereby we can become like Him. He sent Jesus Christ into the world to save us from the dire consequences of our sin. All that we have is from our Father. So rejoice. Enjoy. Give thanks for your mortal father and for you Heavenly Father, not just today but every day of the year. Rejoicing in all that is good is a marvelous antidote for all that is bad.