Importance of Fathers

                Many things in life can be attributed to coincidence, while others can’t. It could be coincidence that my parents met over 30 years ago. My Dad always told me how he spent years listening to missionaries and learning about the gospel. With most Christian churches the gospel they teach doesn’t vary from religion to religion. With the restored gospel of Jesus Christ there have been a few distinguishing characteristics that were restored along with the priesthood and fullness of the gospel. It was one of these distinguishing characteristics that the missionaries taught my Dad and opened his eyes to something he had been looking for. The concept of eternal families is something that is cherished by members of the church and helped bring my Dad and eventually my family together forever.

                I attribute the choice my Dad made that day to several things over the years. He raised 4 boys the best he could. He taught me how to be successful, spiritually and temporally, either through example or long talks. Successful people are successful for one reason; they are willing to do what unsuccessful people are unwilling to.  My Dad was willing to take the hard route of raising his family in the gospel and for that I and my family are eternally grateful. Because he chose to raise us in the gospel and help teach us all four of us boys what he knew to be true, we went on missions to several parts of the world. Because of the choice he made to take the hard road and raise us in the gospel, all four of us were able to teach thousands of people all over the world about the gospel and share with them the blessings we have been enjoying for several years.

                I have seen several families with the lack of a Father, and the difference is night and day. We all have a Heavenly Father that is always there for us. I know he wants what is best for us, and I know that my dad is what is best for me on this earth. I am spoiled to have been so lucky to have someone like him in my life. Now that I am a dad I can see myself taking the same route that I was raised. I want Duncan and the future kids of Brooke and me to be successful spiritually and temporally. Someday my wish is that of my dad’s; to have an eternal family. I know that there is a plan set by our heavenly father. He wants us to be happy, and I am most happy when I am with my family.