Mom & Dad

Just thinking about my mom and dad tonight. 

I couldn't ask for better parents. I think most people say that and mean it but... I think I mean it more. Or most. :D 

Mom taught me about kindness and charity and serving with your whole heart

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Dad taught me about listening to the Spirit and following its promptings.

Mom taught me to love others and never speak ill of another person. 

Dad taught me to be patient during trials (even though he'll say that he's not patient. He actually is and taught it too.) 

They taught me everything either by example or by talking with me through my difficulties growing up. I never felt lectured (and actually sometimes felt like I needed more rules!)

Something that was Huge for me was that they trusted me. I never felt like they didn't trust me and always felt like I could tell them the truth about anything. By trusting me, I was able to experience so much more because I had to/got to figure things out for myself and trust myself in my decisions. And it also meant that I had to keep their trust. There was a level of maturity I had to live up to because I knew they trusted I would do just that. 

I had an small but meaningful epiphany the other day. I was reading the scriptures on the couch and every once in a while I'd stop reading, tip my head back and close my eyes to think about the verse I just read or to pray silently. 

I realized all the times I saw my dad 'asleep' in that position with the scriptures open on his lap---he more likely was pondering and praying in just the same way. (Not just sleeping! :) 

The funny thing is, just seeing him with his scriptures open on his lap (whether he was askeep or not) taught me so much about spending time with The Lord. 

The same is true with my mom. I can't count the number if times I'd find her in the dining room alone pouring over visiting teaching or other relief society service. She is such a devoted beautiful wonderful woman! 

And last:  I remember through most of high school (especially my junior and senior years because my bathroom was next to their room), I'd hear the soft murmur of their voices coming through the wall as I brushed my teeth at night. They prayed together as a couple every single night. I could never hear the words but I knew the spirit it brought into our home and I will always be thankful to have been raised by two such faithful people. 

Love you mom! Love you dad!