I love the final counsel given by the Prophet Lehi in the Book of Mormon, to his sons, before his death:
“And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men…” 2 Nephi 1:21
If you continue to read the following six verses, Lehi gives the characteristics of being a righteous “Man”(again the same things apply to women). However, these words had so much more meaning (then mere words) to his sons, for they were preceded with his example. Likewise, there are so many things my own parents have sought to teach me, and my siblings, which I will someday pass on to my own children.
For example, my parents are always trying to teach us that we need to take care of one another, to serve those in need, to be instruments in the hands of God, to give with no complaint, etc. Knowing that words would not be enough, my parents would seek out opportunities to ingrain within us these truths, opportunities, such as the snowstorm that occurred a few weeks ago…
We have gotten a lot of snow lately here in Utah. Now this is great if you love to go skiing, snow-boarding, or sledding. It is also great if you are a fan of making snow castles, snow men, or snow angels. It is even great if you are a fan of snowball fights. However, it is not great if you have to walk, or drive anywhere.
The other morning my family awoke to discover that it had snowed about six inches in the night. The moment my father saw the amount of snow that had fallen, he called my two younger brothers into the living room. He expressed to them, his concern for all the widows, single parents, young couples, sick, and elderly in the neighborhood who needed help to clear their walkways, and driveways. Moments later the three of them were bundled in their warm winter wear and heading out into the cold. Armed with a snow blower, broom, and shovels, they went to work.
Side by side, they worked together, imagining the looks of surprise and gratitude on the faces of the many they were secretly helping. When they finally came in from the cold (hungry, exhausted, and in at least Dad’s case a lot of pain) hours later, more than 2/3 of the neighborhood was cleared.
Watching the shining eyes of my younger brothers, as they came in from the cold, I saw a glimpse of the men they will some day become. I think my mother and father saw it too, for they had a look in their eyes as well, which was moving to behold.
Every night I pray for my future spouse, that he too has been given that call to arise from the dust and be a man, whether by his own parents or by another close to him. Even more so, I pray that he heeds that call.
