I have been working on a family project of sorts capturing
events and personal histories meaningful to our family. These stories and
pictures bring back such memories.
You know that I always felt my dad was an incredibly wise
man. I think many of us saw that in Grandpa. His perspective was spot on and
always insightful and appreciated. With that in mind, I have particularly
valued the following comment from his journal:
If I were to lose everything I had, and could only save a couple things, I’d grab my scriptures and John S. Stucki’s Journal.
When I first read that, I knew dad must know something I did
not yet understand about the importance of family histories. As of late, I
believe I am beginning to see the light.
I am now just starting to comprehend the tremendous value of
the words and memory of our ancestors. Because of them, we are showered with blessings.
Because of them, we have become the people that we are today. I believe the
quality of these people finds expression in each of us.
What I have come to appreciate is that Grandpa did in fact
see and understand the value of the stories of his predecessors, and he treasured their
experiences, wisdom, and insights as benefits and blessings of his own. The
tremendous discoveries and current technologies are wonderful and awe-inspiring, yet they are but a drop in the bucket of the approaching ways and means we will use to complete our family histories. We are just now coming to realize all the resources we have to do so much
good and move God’s work forward. And we are just getting started.
This work is beautiful, interesting, fun and exciting. It’s
like a symphony as you discover who you are. We all play a part; none of us do
it alone. Each one has important contributions to make and our abilities are
magnified in the process. And when you face obstacles that seem to stand in
your way, just keep listening, and pretty soon you will figure out your part.
The melody carries us along. And the discoveries keep us
moving.
Talent is borne of God-given qualities.
Watch the following favorite video of mine. The reason I
love it—besides the song—is that the voices of the children that sing are
surprisingly powerful and striking. Sometimes they are in a supporting role;
other times, they perform unaccompanied. When I see a young man or woman, prior
to hearing the song, I don’t necessarily expect that they could produce such
beautiful music. But when they solo, their ability amazes me. And performed as
a group, the rendition is marvelous.
People’s talents in our very midst often surprise us that
way.
That’s the joy of discovering your family history.
What piece will you play?
