Head Scratcher

Here's a funny (ok, not so funny, actually just sad) example of how out of whack our society has become.

Two young men left a campfire burning and caused the largest fire in Arizona history.  They face prosecution on three counts for causing the burning of thousands of acres of forest land, with all its included wildlife, and destroying many homes.  The law says:

A conviction for each of the offenses charged in the complaint carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison, a $5,000 fine or both.

In another case, a father killed a grizzly bear because he was afraid for the safety of his children and family.  Now he faces these penalties if convicted:

 

The charge of killing a threatened species is punishable by up to a year in prison, a maximum fine of $50,000, and up to one year of supervised release.

So, if my math is correct, it is pretty much equally adverse to society if you kill a ferocious grizzly bear that is attempting to eat your family or burn homes, trees, animals, and anything else in the way because you were too lazy to put out your fire.

Like I said, it really is sad and odd that we live in such a world.

DO YOU?

Yesterday, in our sacrament meeting, one of the speakers made a comment that touched a nerve.  It was one of those nerves that stays hidden until something really sharp gives it a poke (sort of like the funny-bone).

What he said was (paraphrasing):

“Parents need to make sure their children know what is important in their lives.  You can’t just assume they know you have a testimony – you have to tell them often and clearly what you know to be true.”

As I pondered that thought, I wondered if my children and grandchildren REALLY know what I believe.  It seems obvious (to me) that they would know that I have a testimony of the Restored Gospel of Christ.  It is, after all, my chosen profession to teach the truths of Christ as contained in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  But DO they really know???

I hope so!!

I wonder, too, if they know how much I love their mother/grandmother (in fact, I sometimes wonder if SHE knows).  It seems to me that I may not have been as demonstrative in my confessions to my posterity as would be appropriate.

And maybe, just as concerning, do my children (all five of you valiant souls) and my grandchildren (the 12.75 greatest little individuals on earth) realize just how much I adore the people you are and are becoming?

Well, to all of you mentioned above, I offer this two word expression of whether you are important or not.

You Are!!!

And if you ever wonder if I am a true follower of Christ (in my own weak way).

I am (not to be confused with I AM).

Maybe I can show these things better.  I hope so.  Thanks for listening.