FHE with Grandpa Steve & Grandma Cheryl

I had an experience last week that had significant impact on my life.

Mother’s Day weekend we went to Utah County for a family function. Minutes after arriving, and with no incident or provocation at a family member’s home, John was told that he is no longer welcome at their home. The family member proceeded to walk John and Jaxon to his front door, and unkindly left them both standing on the front porch wondering what was happening.

I was downstairs unaware of the incident, and minutes later, when I found out, I was extremely embarrassed and very humiliated (for John & myself). It was a very saddening experience for us. Not only was I sad, but I was very upset and hurt by this particular event. John handled it with dignity and it did not seem to get under his skin as it did mine.

Since this event, I have thought a lot about how much it hurts to be judged, and more importantly how I have severely judged the individual who uninvited my husband in his home. Several times I have thought to myself, “How could anyone be so rude, unforgiving, and insensitive.” I have had ill feelings for this person ever since.

Last night during FHE at Steve’s we had a lesson on judgment. We read the story of Lazarus. We then read sections of a talk given in General Conference by Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer of the Seventy. I remember hearing this talk during conference, but did not quite have the impact that the “refresher” did last night.

Elder Schwitzer said, “We live in a world in which many situations require us to make judgments that are often difficult. Yet the Savior gave the commandment to “judge not” our fellowman. How can we do this and still exercise good judgment in a world full of deception and corruption?...Although the Savior asked us not to judge others, He still expects us to use excellent judgment. We may often find ourselves making quick judgments about people, which can change or redefine our relationships with them. Often incorrect judgments are made because of limited information or because we do not see beyond that which is immediately in front of us.”

I know that I have found myself in situations where I have quickly judged others and have been unforgiving, and downright rude myself. It was a learning experience for me during this lesson, and I found that I need to be the person that I know I need to be, and not worry about what others may do around me. On a lighter note, we had a wonderful Family Home Evening with Steve, Cheryl, David & their new Korean exchange student. We had a great time!

"Grandpa Steve" & Jaxon

Yep, that's right...that's Jaxon...Driving by himself. I almost had a heart attack. Steve & Cheryl kept telling me to "Chill".

John & Jaxon

Jaxon said, "Mom, you're a big chicken!"

Steve trying to teach me how to drive a 4 wheeler.

Jaxon & "Grandma Cheryl"

Good Old Sinclair

On the 9th of this month...it will be two years since Dad passed away. I stopped at the Sinclair on 54th South 9th East on my way back from a meeting. I couldn't help but think of my dad. I have fond memories of that station, as my dad took me here several times when I would go to work with him. Dad was a regional manager for Sinclair Oil and had stations all over intermountain region. I have a picture somewhere at home where I'm sitting right here in front of the station driving a Go-Kart.

This is also one of the stations that all of us "P-Kids" would mow lawns during the summer. I remember being so humiliated that I had to mow lawns. I remember thinking, "I will just die if anyone I know sees me mowing lawn!" How silly is that! Sad, but true. We mowed lawns for my dads service stations for two or maybe three summers that I can remember. I was so sad to find out that Sinclair has closed several of their stores. I have so many memories of the "little green Dino". I even bought a coffee mug (for hot chocolate people) that says Sinclair on it to keep at my desk at work. When I went into the service station the clerk told me that she remembered my dad. She's worked there for 15 years and waiting to find out if the Holding kids are selling her store. I felt sad. I'm now scrambling to buy a green blow up Dino for Jaxon...just in case they close everything. For today, it was a fond memory of my dad. I'm sure he didn't always love his job, but he made his kids feel like it was important to him, and he worked hard. I appreciate him for showing me that.