I am passionate about preserving and celebrating the best part.
When I watch a movie, I love the climax. To me, that’s the best part. When I listen to a song, I frequently have a favorite stanza. My daughter Melanie went to Nepal recently, and her favorite part was walking through the villages, particularly the small little villages in the mountains. The culture was diverse and different. Blessings, prayers, and passion were all exciting and memorable. Amy finished aesthetics school at the top of her class. She has pursued many areas and continues to investigate the opportunities and deceptions of today’s world. And Emily is well into her cosmetology profession. Her clientele has grown rather remarkably. She told me the best part of cosmetology school was getting treatments done for free. Certainly for those still in training, graduation is definitely an exciting part, and life after their preparations is just the beginning. There are lots of favorite parts, actually.
My hobby involves attempting to capture life’s experiences for my benefit and those in my family and extended family. That way we can cherish our memories many times throughout the years — even for the rest of our lives. And my sincere hope is that I can capture the best part of our experiences. Then my posterity will continue to learn about and enjoy the memories left for them to absorb and grow. We all benefit from this activity.
It is true that many of us enjoy great blessings of every kind. Compared with the world in the past, and many parts of the world today, our abundance is unheard of and likely unimagined. The “windows of heaven” are not just figurative. The promises of our day are definitely coming true right before our eyes.
So I feel that we are pretty lucky to be part of these times and enjoy the luxuries so abundant in our day, but even then I am sure our ancestors felt that way as well when they were alive.
What’s the best part of family history?
For me, I think getting to know past family members is exciting. Learning about them and the way the faced their challenges is inspiring to me. I love my ancestors for the hard lives they lived so that my family and I benefit greatly today from their many sacrifices.
Expressing appreciation to loved ones is important now, and someday I am sure we will have an opportunity to share our thanks with those that have blazed the way before us. One day expressing our appreciation to them in person will be real and significant, but it is important today that we recognize and acknowledge their gift. What a loss it would be to fail to enjoy because we failed to look.
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Admittedly, I have been somewhat critical of many of the Israelites who, after they were blessed with freedom, later died from the bite of fiery serpents because they would simply not look. President Dallin H Oaks provides a thorough explanation of the event. Moses revealed the antidote was to look at the brass serpent lifted up on a pole, and they would be healed. The scripture notes that the Lord had prepared a simple way by which they could be healed, yet “because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished” (1 Nephi 17:41). How much like them we are when we fail to acknowledge God’s hand in our lives? Often, we simply need to look to live in appreciation of the bounty that we have been given.
Grandchildren are the best. Seeing so much joy between cousins and watching new mothers and fathers learn the ropes of parenting is fascinating. They do a great job with the grandchildren who are young, similar, and amazing. I want to help them learn interesting stories and facts about their predecessors. They will soon appreciate and admire the efforts even if they don’t see it now.
Hardship will befall us. Challenges are certain to impact your life. Doing what is right will help us prevail. This plan meant for us to have help. Family, friends, associates, and Church members are tasked with taking care of each other. We receive numerous blessings from both sides of the veil—I attest to that—especially when we help those who cannot help themselves. We do not have to face struggles alone.
The truth is that the Kingdom of God is well-organized and immensely strong throughout the world today. We know that as we align ourselves with the gospel of Jesus Christ, the outcome is sure and the great plan of happiness will all be fulfilled in our behalf. Jesus Christ is already victorious and by following Him, so are we. He is the way, the truth, and the light. Through Him we can experience true enduring happiness and eternal joy as families. That is the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
And that really is the best part.
In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life's challenges is his panacea.
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