What do you do?

So all of you know something about my childhood in Salt Lake and the circumstances surrounding our leaving the city to go to Castle Valley. With a measure of pride as a boy I used to tell my friends that my father was vice president of a business. I thought that sounded pretty impressive back then. Circumstances changed quite a bit over a number of years. Grandpa's profession expanded with the times. How do you think my dad would respond when asked "What do you tell people when they inquire what you do?'"

Business man? Trend setter? Farmer? Bus driver? World leader? Unfortunately, I never asked my dad this question before he passed away, but I think I know what he would say. None of those. But just to be sure, I asked Granny how she thought Grandpa would respond to this question. She answered "a disciple of Christ."

What was grandpa's identity from his perspective? A humble servant of God...eager to follow the footsteps of the Savior.

My dad never sought the glory or prestige of men to boost his image or increase his self-respect. He was lovable, kind and accessible, because he was sincerely interested in other's welfare, involved, and grateful.

That's exactly the kind of person I want to be, as well.

In his first talk as a General Authority Gordon B. Hinckley observed "We are the product of lives who have touched ours." I have that assertion largely in my favor. Because Grandpa was willing to follow the Savior throughout his life—especially when times were difficult—we are all better for it.

The author Robert Frost captured this thought with the poem The Road Not Taken in the following verse:

Two roads diverged in a wood,
and I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

Of all the things I am grateful for this evening, one stands out preeminently, and that's a living testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and the goodness of a loving Father in Heaven.

Jesus is my friend. He is my Savior and my Redeemer. He is my God and King. From everlasting to everlasting, he will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

With great pleasure, I tell you this is the same testimony my father bore.
 

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing