Merry Christmas Froggy

I have enjoyed the opportunity to live by Bill for the last five years. It’s been fun to get to know him better and talk about work, raising kids, and just life in general.  Bill is a good man with a big heart.  One of the things that has always impressed me about Bill is his willingness to serve.  I’ve been especially impressed with the way he involves himself in his kids’ lives and the way he helps Char with his kids. Bill clearly views raising the kids as a partnership and is very involved.

As I thought about how I could serve Bill, I kept coming back to how involved Bill is in his kids’ lives and how much help he provides Charise in raising Brighton, Cole, and Savvy.  I decided that for my service to Bill, I would make a greater effort in helping Lani with our four kids.  I started to consciously be the first one to help them when the needed something.  When Hunter needed a diaper changed I was on it.  When someone would wake up crying I tried to go and help them before Lani even knew they needed something. When someone wet the bed, I cleaned it up. When breakfast or lunch time rolls around, I’ve tried to make them food.  

It’s been a fantastic experience. I’ve thought of Bill often and grown closer to my kids.  Particularly Hunter.  He and I have bonded over the endless amounts of diaper changes and meal preparation.  It’s gotten to the point where he comes to me to ask for things before going to Lani. (Perhaps this service has backfired. Just kidding.) I have also developed an increased appreciation for Lani and how much she does. My awareness of what needs to be done to get the kids where they need to go has increased.

Bill’s willingness to serve has also inspired me to be more aware of opportunities to serve and to jump at those opportunities when they come up.  December is usually a very busy time at work, but it also provides a ton of opportunities to serve.  In the past I would normally use work as an excuse to stand on the sidelines, but this year I’ve often thought “Bill would volunteer for this, I better do the same”. Bill’s service mindset, has rubbed off on me and has allowed me to participate in some neat experiences this Christmas season.  A couple of weeks ago I was in church and they asked for volunteers to go with the Deacons Quorum to participate in baptisms for the dead.  I wasn’t sure I would have time, but I thought to myself “the Lord has blessed me a lot, I can make the time to do this for Him.  Besides, Bill would do this”.  The experience was terrific and I was glad I went.

There was another night this month where they needed volunteers to dress up as a wise man at the Apex Nativity.  I volunteered and again had a great experience. It was a cold night, but I felt warm inside reflecting on the Savior and knowing I was helping.  A couple of nights later I went early to the ward Christmas party to help prepare and set up food.  Again, it was nice to serve and feel the spirit. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve Bill this year, by serving my family and others.  It’s helped me feel closer to Bill, and made me a better person.  Bill, thank you for all you do.  You found the gospel later in life, but have taken hold with both hands and embraced the Lords call to “do unto others as ye would have them do unto you”.  Thank you for your example Bill. Merry Christmas!

Love Hock