January 24, 2016
Re: Letter 59 of 3
Dear Riley:
Today marked the end of perhaps the busiest week I can recall. There was not a single day I wasn’t required as Bishop. Your mother stated that it had been particularly hard and expressed gratitude that this seldom occurs. I share her sentiments and look forward to a little lighter load in coming days, though we do have a funeral on Saturday.
My heart aches as I face the reality of GM’s passing. There are few men finer and it’s rare to find a family as extraordinary. We were in his home on Tuesday evening where we visited, said our goodbyes, and blessed both him and his dear wife C. The Spirit was strong and their home felt like sacred ground. I didn’t expect him to last the week, but was surprised by how he passed and how quickly he went. Throughout his progression, the doctors fully expected him to advance to a vegetative state. This, however, never happened. He passed peacefully last Thursday at 12:01 PM. He was in the comfort of his home, pain free, surrounded by his family, and able to express his love just hours before his passing. He fought a valiant fight for years beyond the expectations of doctors and was able to enjoy precious time with loved ones. Faith and prayers brought a multitude of blessings and tender mercies which he and his family consider miraculous and allowed him to witness and participate in important crossroads. We will sorely miss our devoted former Bishop, faithful friend, diligent Home Teacher, and brother in the Lord. The closing hymn in Sacrament was sung in his honor and many were unable to maintain composure as we sang Each Life That Touches Ours for Good.
Today was Ward Conference and I think it went well. I was charged with the responsibility of introducing the theme which was “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3). I don’t know whether you have the ability to print out letters or if you simply need to read them while you’re on the computer. At any rate, I’ll send the outline of my remarks which may prove useful via paper post mid week.
I indicated last week that I had a sweet experience I would share with you this week. It seems society has gone tattoo crazy. Businesses have popped up all over and I see a lot more ink walking around than I ever did in years past. Tattoos are increasingly elaborate, extensive, and conspicuous. The body painting wave has spilled into the Church more than I would have expected and I wonder how the message regarding the sacred nature of our bodies failed to discourage some individuals within the church from adorning their bodies in this fashion. The reasons and justifications are varied, and occasionally the question comes up of whether getting one would preclude someone from worthily holding a temple recommend. When I tell them it won’t, little I say afterwards can dissuade some from going out and getting one. I met with one such individual recently and came home troubled by the resistance to the counsel against tattoos. This individual placed great significance on the fact that a particular tattoo was commemorative in nature and only partially finished. I woke up the following morning with what I considered an inspired perspective. I contacted the individual and asked that nothing be done regarding the partially finished tattoo until we spoke again. I unexpectedly had the opportunity to share this perspective with the individual last Sunday. I read the statement of the First Presidency on wearing the temple garment with emphasis on how we wear the garment is an outward manifestation of an inward commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. I explained the garment itself was commemorative and outward manifestation of the time we turn our heart more fully to God by taking upon ourselves additional sacred covenants and saving ordinances. It occurred to me that the unfinished tattoo also becomes a commemoration of a changed heart which was more fully given to God as evidenced by leaving the tattoo unfinished. It would thereby become an additional outward manifestation of an inward commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. When I shared this insight, the Spirit rushed in; the individual got a little emotional and commented on the beauty of this perspective. We were both uplifted and edified as the Spirit testified to the truthfulness of the doctrine being taught. I told this individual that the choice was theirs, but I believed I knew what the final decision would be. The response to this was an indication that indeed a heart had been softened and a course of action altered. I was grateful for the inspiration and for a small indication that perhaps I was making a difference, however small, in the lives of some of the members after all.
Well, I’m exhausted and we just wrapped up a birthday celebration for Cambry with the H family over. It was enjoyable and memorable. I’m ready to get some sleep.
We sure love you and so enjoy hearing from you and about you. We received word from the P family who apparently had some interaction with you not long ago. They were very impressed by your character, obvious diligence in the gospel, and positive outlook. We love you and miss you especially when celebrating family events like birthdays. Keep working hard and following the Spirit.
Love,
Dad
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