Time Waits for No Man-- Spend it Wisely

This boy brings more joy to our family than I can describe.

I love the simple moments of life. You can likely relate to what I'm talking about. I suppose it's different for each person, but it's those moments when you suddenly realize how blessed you are. What often follows is a sense of awe as your heart fills with joy and gratitude for all the things your Father in Heaven has given-- in spite of your weaknesses.

That little boy in the picture above often provides these moments for me. Simeon is quite the little man. On the one hand, he's probably the grumpiest kid we've had. Olivia and I joke that nothing has changed from the time he was in utero. When Olivia had one of her ultrasounds, we ended up with this picture.

On the other hand, he provides us with some of the funniest moments. Like the time he decided that sitting in a pot on top of the stove was a hilarious thing to do. I have to admit, he was right-- it was.

But then there's the serious moments too. Like yesterday when I was working on my computer. He crawled up next to me -- as he often does -- to watch what I was doing. I looked over at this little man and was filled with the most indescribable sense of joy and gratitude. For whatever reason, Simeon is also our least "huggee" kid. But on this occasion, I looked at him and said, "Simeon, I love you so much. Can Daddy have a hug?" It must have been a moment of weakness for him, because without hesitation he reached over and embraced me with his little arms. I'm telling you, that's the good life.

This morning we attended our final session of Stake Conference in Minot. Our first counselor in the Stake Presidency, David Parker, was absent due to illness. President Parker has had to battle cancer and apparently fell ill yesterday. I'm not certain of the nature of his current illness, but I sure missed his instruction in our conference. He's a tremendous man. As our Stake President, Tyson Williams, was speaking, we were reminded how tentative life is.

With President Williams' words in my mind and little Simeon on my lap, I looked over at him. I thought of how quickly time passes. It waits for no man. In that moment, I realized that this special little boy was on my lap today, but will be all grown tomorrow. I know this, because I've experienced it. We sent Job and Carolyn off to college this last fall. It seems like yesterday they were the ones on my knee. Again, my heart was filled with gratitude. I couldn't help but pull Simeon close to me, kiss his little head, and wonder what life has in store for him.

In April of 2003, President Thomas S. Monson delivered an address in General Conference titled, "In Search of Treasure". In it, he gave us "three pieces of your treasure map to guide you to your eternal happiness." The third piece of that treasure map was "Live in the Present". In part, he said:

"Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it."

This is valuable counsel.

We live in what seems like an increasingly boisterous and busy world. In fact, I'd dare say that we live with far more distractions than those of yesteryear. Are we prioritizing? Do we set aside time for the things that really matter and are of eternal consequence? I know that I can do better.

When all is said and done on this Earth, we will have had no control over the passage of time, but only in how we spent it. What will our legacy be? How will we be remembered? In the winding up moments, what memories will occupy our minds? Will we have an overwhelming sense of peace or regret?

I'm grateful for the very sacred and special simple moments of life, provided to me by a loving Father in Heaven. I'm grateful for His wisdom, unfailing love, and seemingly constant reminders that I indeed live the good life. May we always remember the Atonement of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and apply it in our lives. And may we never forget that time waits for no man, so spend it wisely.

Works Cited:

1. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/in-search-of-treasure?lang=eng