Letter 6 4 2017

Summer has arrived.

This past week was Memorial day and I spent the entire vacation weekend working in the yard with Mom.  The outcome was that there was literally almost nothing to do in the yard yesterday...  We worked until about 2 on other stuff and then we were done...  I hope this means more mountain biking on the weekends!!!

It is great to hear from members in your mission.  Marsha Zimsky texted us this week about how thankful she was for Caleb when her friend decided to hear the gospel.  She said that Caleb was inspired and sensitive to her friend as the missionaries taught her the gospel.  I have to tell you, as Caleb's Dad, I'm so thankful for him and the man he's becoming.

There are different schools-of-thought among members of the church about the involvement of God in our lives.  On one end of the spectrum, some believe that God is involved in every little detail of our lives.  The other end of the spectrum others believe that we've been put on the earth and given our agency and then been trusted by God to make decisions without his intrusion.  

In my opinion, the latter view seems to have the weight of scriptural doctrine and is consistent with my life experience.  I'm not sure where your beliefs put you on the spectrum but some principles that are clear.  

First, God loves us because we are his children.  Among his many gifts given, He has given us the gift of the Holy Ghost to bless our lives and give us comfort.  At times, the spirit will prompt us toward certain ends.

Second, he will not interfere with our agency.  Aside from the Atonement, this is his greatest gift.  He trusts us enough to allow us to make choices and decisions for ourselves.  It is my belief that the spirit will never prompt in a manner that could interfere with our agency.  Thus Moroni encourages us to go to the Lord with our decision about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to get confirmation of what we already know to be true.

Third, God has a very different perspective about our life than we do.  Indeed, we cannot comprehend his perspective and may not even have the ability to approximate his understanding.

So, with that as a pretext, I don't know if Caleb was "meant to meet" Marsha Zimsky's friend at this time or if Jacob was "meant to meet" Richard.  I do know that we have the personal and sacred responsibility to live in a manner such that, when the need or opportunity arises, we stand ready to answer the call.

Remembering that living a righteous life has its own rewards, be thankful that through the priesthood, you can act as a direct conduit for God.

Consider all of this in context of your life.  Since you're both on a path for eventual marriage, will God tell you if you should get your education before you get married?  Will he will tell you if your choice of woman is right for a wife?  I see him counseling you to make the best decisions you can as you draw from your life experience.  I see him suggesting that you council with those you trust as you go through this process.  In other words, you are at a time in your life when, as an adult, with the life experience you've had, he is going to trust you to make the best decision you can.

I love you both.  I'm proud of you and I trust you'll make great decisions.  Have a great week.

Dad