When I wanted to do this, first hurdle I thought was Lani. I did not think she would trust me with AJ and figured I was mean and impatient. That's true, but I can rise to the occasion and I guess she gambled he was such a handful, she would take what she could get. I knew AJ's favorite word was NO and he was a master of it with me. While flying there I thought of D&C 4: "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of your God; see that ye serve him with all your heart, might mind and strength that you may stand blameless before him at the last day." I figured I needed some strength. Turns out the only strength I needed was with how fast he was stripping down to bare feet all the time. He had patience with me and strengthened me. He lead me by taking my hand and showing me where I needed to take him.
I also spent some time with Lani and Hock. I can report there was never a complaint of "why me or us?" Instead there was an attitude of "what do I need to learn?" Instead of choosing self pity, they choose growth. I could see the growth in them, even if they can't right now. In the Lords plan, understanding comes line upon line, precept upon precept; in other words, understanding and knowledge come and the price of patience. President Uchtdorf says, often the deep valley of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can't see the Lords hand in our lives until long after trials have passed.
My wife was the first one with the idea of helping with AJ. She is a life saver in general and you can't be a life saver if you are swimming like all the others, you need to be in the look out for those in need and she is a great example for me.
Tiff this was something I was happy to do in your honor. Thank you for the opportunity. I love you.
Best... Service... Ever :) love you brother!!! I totally trust you... Although your constant questioning of if I would trust you with my kids makes me wonder if I was supposed to doubt you at some point!! I never did ;) love you so much. Thanks and I'm so grateful that my kids have the memories of this week with you!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures of Wayne and AJ are adorable! The best was the line about Wayne needing strength to deal with AJ stripping down to bare feet. Hilarious!
ReplyDeleteMarried to the man for 20 years and now i know he's a writer!
ReplyDelete