Alive through the Love of God (2)

Anna wrote a comment to Alive through the Love of God, and asked some really good questions. I was trying to keep my reply short, but was only half successful, so I’m copying these words into a new post instead. (I think I will do that also in the future with my longer replies, in case someone else wants to read them.)

Here are Anna’s two question:
“a) If trials and sufferings leads to something good for other people, does that mean that we shall not try to take away these sufferings (like poverty in the world, or the neighbor abusing his family)?
b) If trials and suffering might lead to something good for us, does that mean that we shouldn´t try to have better lives, that we should just try to endure no matter what?”

Here is her own answer:
“To both these 2 questions, I would definitively say: No! One good thing with the evil in the world is that it gives us something to fight, opportunities to do good, to show mercy and love towards ourselves and others, that need a helping hand to get out of their suffering.”

I put the last part in italics, because those are important words. I totally agree that the answer is no to both questions. But I’m glad it was brought up so I can expand just a little, to avoid any misunderstandings about my view of (my) LDS faith.

a) Just because we can grow from trails doesn’t mean that we should seek them out (like the time when I felt so blessed in my life that I prayed to God, asking for a trail to teach me humility, and I came home that evening only to find that burglars had broken in). It doesn’t mean that we should want anyone else to suffer either. The thing is: trails and suffering find their own way into people’s lives; it doesn’t have to be through a bad choice they make; it can be through a bad choice of someone else; or living in Burma (where millions are victims of the latest cyclone)… or whatever. So of course we have to easy the burdens of others. It’s the Christian way. To all of us, it should be the only way!

b) No to this question also. In fact, the LDS view is that we should strive every day to become better than the day before. Our last prophet, Gordon B Hinckley always talked about becoming a little bit better, being more kind to each other, and standing a little taller. We believe there is a God-given potential within all human beings, and its our responsibility to try our best to live up to who we really are, or can become. Although the scripture often talk about “enduring to the end”, we don’t interpret that to mean “suffer to the end”, but rather, keep the faith always and find joy - even when it’s hard - to keep the commandments of God.

Note: Please read Linda’s last (and first) comment to Alive through the Love of God. (I didn’t see that until I had posted this one.) I like the perspective Jeanette gives also, about Christ’s role.

Alive through the Love of God

Last night I was moved by a verse in the Book of Mormon, one of our sacred books of scripture. In 2 Nephi, chapter 11, we read that Nephi was anxious to learn from God what his father, Lehi, had seen in a vision about the tree of life. Then, as he pondered in his heart, Nephi was “taken away” by the Spirit of the Lord. A beautiful conversation followed between the two, but I want to focus on verses 16-17, where the Spirit asks:

“Knowest thou the condescension of God? And [Nephi] said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”

One of the reasons I cherish this verse is because it puts everything in the right perspective. In life we sometimes wonder why “bad” things happen, especially why bad things happen to good people. We search for an understanding. We search for reasons. And when we don’t find any, we get frustrated and perhaps even blame God. I personally believe everything happens for a reason, but that doesn’t mean I always understand what that reason is. In fact, by the time our lives are over there will most likely be many unanswered questions. What I have to ask myself is: Am I okay with that, the part about not understanding everything - especially the times of hurt and despair?

Getting back to the “right perspective”, Nephi gives the answer that comforts. Although he is not in this context thinking about the trails of life as such, his reply is the key to everything. He says that he (as well as we all) does not know the meaning of all things. So far we agree. But before that he rightly states as his first conviction: “I know that [God] loveth his children.” Do we all agree with that… or rather, truly believe that?

This is the crucial key to making it through life: knowing, in your heart, that God really loves you. Why is this so crucial? Simply this: if you know you are loved and cared for - especially by your Heavenly Father - you will be able to cope with any difficult situation ahead; you will know that hardships are not punishments, but means to shape your character. If God cannot test you, how can you truly show who you are. And if you can’t show it, how can you ever know it? Again, we may still not understand everything, but now we will at least make it through, because of the love of God.

To put it in more simple words: God’s love is what keeps us alive. And by that I mean truly alive. My point is that we haven’t really lived if we haven’t felt the love of God. There is a power in God’s love, unprecedented in kind, nothing to match it. It is the power that sets us free, free to enjoy life in its full. What I am talking about being truly happy, experiencing lasting joy, being able to keep that positive nature through good times as well as the bad.

The ancient apostle Paul understood this. I esteem his words in Romans 8:38-39:

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Whenever I write in this forum, of course I can only speak for myself. I do so today as well. But I nevertheless feel the need to bring you my strongest witness about this. I have felt the love of God. I have planted it in my heart. This very moment it is consuming me, and there are no words to describe how that feels. The only way I can begin to convey that feeling is to say, in the spirit of Paul’s words, that nothing in this life can separate me from the love of God. The very thought of that happening is terrifying .

I try not to use the word “truth” flamboyantly, but here and now I say: the love of God will keep you truly alive. That is the truth.

Studio Photos

I’m trying to put together a folder of studio photos. Working in the studio is great fun, but unfortunately it’s a bit of a time consumer - and I don’t have much time. But here’s a start anyhow. Hopefully I’ll have a change to add some more photos… in the future.

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

April 2008 Overview

Dear friends! This is something new I want to try out: a monthly overview. The main objective of this “wrap-up” is to allow myself the chance to point out what posts have been most important to me, or most amusing, etc. Remember, however, this will be based on my personal opinion. (You might have another feel for the matter.) In addition I have added a few blog statistics. To me, these are unimportant, but I know some folks who just love them - especially the Americans Happy reading!

16 Posts
78 Comments
7683 Views

Most inspirational post: Reflections of Christ
Most amazing story: Baby Born with Two Faces & How to Forgive a Murderer
Most important message: Opportunity is the Blessing
Most adorable photos: The Faces of an Angel
Most amusing photo: Angel turns Thief (nr 6)
Most useful quotes: Opportunity is the Blessing & Spending Money You Don’t Have (2)
Most enjoyable experiences: Embarrassing Dad at Airport & Out in the Fields

Have a great May!
Brother Louis

Spending Money You Don’t Have (2)

Thanks to those of you who wrote great comments to Spending Money You Don’t Have. (If the rest of you have the time please take a minute and read those remarks.) I think we can all agree that this is a difficult, yet important subject. And we’re all still learning, aren’t we? Speaking for myself, I know I understand the principle more or less perfectly, but in theory it’s a different matter. Let’s just say that at times I have, like many of you, learned the heard way. But in retrospect, those experiences have been good too - as long as I try to learn from them.

I also wrote a comment to the aforementioned post. It’s too long to post again, but I am summarizing it here with the following thoughts:

The happiest moments in life are not the costliest.

Control your money, or it will control you.

Today’s “standard of living” is not to be synonymously defined as “standard of happiness”.

There are no shortcuts! The only likely positive effect from gambling halls or lottery tickets is a fleeting thrill. But it is just that: fleeting. The sure positive effect from a pay check resulting from honest, hard work is personal satisfaction and lasting joy.

If we fail to balance our budget we face the danger of being pulled overboard into the currents of debt and economic dependency.

Finally, here is a wonderful quote from the talented Garth Brooks:

“Happiness isn’t getting what you want, it’s wanting what you got.”

Out in the Fields

Just before the sun was about to set I asked Isak if he wanted to go and find some deer and take pictures. I told him about this place where I’ve seen them hang out. “Sure,” he said, “but I want to take the pictures.” (Click on images to enlarge)

And so he did. This one is taken by Isak, of the only deer we could find. Then it took off into the forest.

But we didn’t feel like going home yet, so went out into a neighboring field to greet the local farmer.

Isak look on as the tractor turns…

but start to run as some seagull get near.

Here he is coming back. There is something about this shot I like. But its not the dust nor the impressive tractor. It’s the cool focus of the farmer, keeping his eyes forward, driving in a straight line. He knows exactly what he is doing. He probably tended this soil for a better part of his life. It struck me that I, and thousand with me, are enjoying the fruits of this man’s labors. When’s the last time I thanked my friendly neighborhood farmer? “Thanks friend!”

“It’s my pleasure!” [He waves to us]

Mmmm… What a good life.

Spending Money You Don’t Have

This is my answer to government policy that we need to spend more and more money to boost our national economy, even though it means joining the crowd of bankrupt millions who are treading water just to stay alive. It’s a quote by Will Smith.

“Too many people are spending money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”

For a lack of a better word, I would say that this is one of the great evils of modern society, that we feel more or less forced to spend money we don’t even have. Every day companies and advertisers play the game of lets-see-who-we-can-trick-today. And we fall for it. My “favorite” one is: “Get your flat screen today, pay for it next year!” Not to mention the offers that fall into our mailbox at least once a week to get this or that credit card or bank loan, and everything is practically given away for nothing.

Wow, we think to ourselves, what a deal! So well are we tricked - although it should be easy to see the deception - that we are shocked when the bill finally comes, and we have to pay a price we cannot afford - unless, of course, we could take another loan to pay for the loan we couldn’t afford to pay back in the first place. Isn’t it wonderful? The bank will gladly help us out of a tricky situation. And should they fail to comply, then just turn to the loyal friend who always stays near your heart (in your breast pocket): your credit card. He is so generous; he’ll let you buy whatever you please, and you’ll never have to pay for it. Until later.

Can the politicians and financial lobbyists really be correct: that in order to save our collective economy we must put ourselves in personal bankruptcy?

Be the Miracle

Linda posted a comment on Opportunity is the Blessing, with a great quote and personal challenge. Here it is.

“Came to think of it; there was another movie some years ago, quite similar to this one - Bruce Almighty. I looked it up and “God” has a few interesting words to share from this movie as well:

Parting your soup is not a miracle, it’s a magic trick. A single mom who’s working two jobs and still finds time to take her kid to soccer practice, that’s a miracle. A teenager who says no to drugs and yes to an education, that’s a miracle. People want me to do everything for them, and what they don’t realize is - they have the power. You want to see a miracle, son? Be the miracle.”

“BE the miracle. We have the power within us, granted to us by God. He has given us the opportunities AND the power. Imagine that.”

Linda

Opportunity is the Blessing

My family watched a movie recently, Evan Almighty. It was a cute film, one I would strongly recommend. Morgan Freeman plays God and and Steve Carell a US congressman who is given the task from God to build an ark. I won’t tell you the whole plot, but suffice it to say that Evan runs in to some obstacles while starting the project. One of those is convincing his wife that he actually is acting under God’s command. She is a good woman but she simply does not understand him. So finally she takes the kids and drives off, leaving Evan alone with his work.

Then something happens. She meets God. Well… she doesn’t know it’s God, but he start a conversation with her. And the words he speaks affect her so deeply (of course) that she immediately turns around to go home to her husband. These are the words God tells her:

If someone prays for patience, does God give them patience? Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient?
If they pray for courage, does God give them courage, or does he give them the opportunity to be courageous?
If someone prayed for their family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm, fuzzy feelings? Or does he give them opportunities to love each other?

When I heard that I had to stop, rewind and look at it again. I was struck by the profoundness, yet simplicity of those word. I thought to myself: Yes, of course! Whatever we gain in life of real value, we gain through our experiences. So if God wants to bless us, sure, theoretically he could just send blessings our way without any effort on our part. But then we would loose the real blessing: the opportunity; meaning the work, effort, and experience associated with these important attributes (like patience, courage, and love).

For example, what good will it do if your heart was suddenly struck by a thunderbolt of love? Will you love become stronger? Maybe for a short time, yes, but then what? It’s like when people instantly fall head over heals in love. Most of them fall just as fast out of love. Why? Because there is nothing substantial there to hold their love together. What really matters are the opportunities given us to show love. And those moments can be big or small: saying “yes” at the alter - and meaning it; massaging a sore back; helping your wife with the diapers and dishes; communicating your feelings openly and honestly; carrying a crying baby at night so your loved one can sleep; and in Evan’s case… building an ark.

I learned a lesson that day, that I would not complain so much about the lack of this or that in my life. Instead I would be grateful for every single opportunity to do something about it. Because what is an opportunity, really? Isn’t it our very own chance to prove ourselves? Isn’t it a chance to plant that seed which will grow up to be that very fruit we wish to partake of in the future? Isn’t it our chance to create the surroundings we wish to live in.

Think of all the opportunities in life. Aren’t those the greatest blessings?

Angel turns Thief (2)

She did it again… (see Angel turns Thief)

But big brother is more forgiving this time.

How to Forgive a Murderer

Anyone living in Sweden has not been able to go untouched by Engla and her tragic story. She is the ten-year-old girl who was recently abducted and killed by a middle aged man in central Sweden. In a newspaper yesterday I read something that moved me to tears. It was an open letter from Engla’s family. Here’s a copy of it:

“Vi vill tacka för den enorma uppslutningen stöd och engagemang från alla som varit vid vår sida under sökande och i vår sorg, som blivit allas våran sorg.
Engla var en tjej som spred ljus och glädje.
Engla har alltid vetat att hon skulle bli något speciellt, nu vet vi att hon blev en ljusbärare som förenar våra hjärtan över hela världen. Vi känner tillsammans och påverkas av varandra. Vi förstår att vi är ett.
Snälla ta hand om varandra och var varlig mot vår jord.
Vi får frågor om vad vi känner för 42-åringen - Folk kan bara gå till sig själva och känna, så förstår de vad vi känner. Att han har erkänt gör att vi kan släppa oron för att Engla fortfarande far illa någonstans.
Vårt liv kommer aldrig att bli sig likt men vi kommer att kämpa för att hitta en vardag för oss och våra barn, där vi vill hitta ett sätt att bära Englas ljus vidare till något stort och positivt för alla.
Frid och kärlek
Carina, Torbjörn, barnen”

This 42-year-old murderer is the most despised person in Sweden at the moment. Anyone who’s had the chance to say anything about him has used words of hatred and disgust. Now Engla’s family had the opportunity to speak, and if any had the right to feel hatred it would be this family, of course. But in their words to us, they choose another path, regardless of the crushing heartache they must be experiencing, caused by this man; they choose the path of “peace and love”.

Although they do not explicitly say they forgive their daughter’s killer, they want to tell us that light and love is a better way than ill-feeling and hatred. They don’t place much focus on the murderer, but rather what we all – and not just their family – can bring with us into the future that will help make this world a better place.

There has been a kind of an Engla fever in the media. Everyone is writing and talking about it, ever since she disappeared; the business of finding Engla - and now grieving for her - has become everyone’s business. The whole nation is united in heart and purpose in way that is quite unusual to see. I feel it almost dreadful to say, but her death has brought so many others to life. And this is actually what I think is the core message from her family. I quote in part:

“Engla always knew that she was going to be something special, and now we know that she became a light-bearer that united our hearts all over the world… We understand that we are one…. Our life will never be the same but we will strive to return to everyday life… where we will find a way to carry the light of Engla onward to something great and positive for us all.”

I think this viewpoint is commendable beyond words. What a great example for us all, turning this tragedy into something hopeful for our society. I can only hope that I would have the same strength in that situation; for many of us it would be hard. But wherever we are in life, we could learn from this family, that hate and revenge is not the answer; that it will in truth only hurt us more than whichever offender we direct our anger at. Rather, we could push forward in a positive spirit, putting away the gloom of hate, and like Engla’s family carry a warm light with us instead.

I wish God’s choicest blessings for the Engla, now in her heaven, and for her sweet family.

Angel turns Thief

It seems that there was split “voting” on The Faces of an Angel. Your thoughts, which by the way were very kind, represent pretty much what I feel too: she was so cute in many of the shots, in different ways. Therefore, it’s hard to pick a winner, but if I was force to, I would pick this one, as some of you also did.

But as it turns out, our Angel is not always who she appears to be. I was acting Paparazzi the other day, and look what I discovered at the end of my lens.

Clara: Hmm… I would sure like to play with those marbles.

Clara: “Isak, can I play too?”
Isak: “Just wait a second, okay!”

Clara: Wow! This bag is full of them!

Clara: Okay… he’s looking away. I’ll just grab this little string here, and…

Clara: Dam-di-du-di-doh… quietly we go…
Isak: “What in the…?

Isak: “Oh, no you don’t!”
Clara: “No, no, no, no…nooooo!”

Louis: “Maybe she wouldn’t do that if you let her play with you?”
Isak: “But we we’re just in the middle of a game!”

Back to the game area.
Clara: “Mask? [This is what she calls our neighbor, Max.] Can I have a marble from you?

Max: “Sure, let me get one from my box.”
Clara: “Really! Oh, thank you!”

Max: “Here you go!”

Clara: “Thank you, Mask! At least there is one nice person here…”

What lessons can we learn from this? Don’t steal? Of course, this is fundamental. But maybe also: if the rich would share some of their wealth with the poor, maybe the poor wouldn’t be forced to steal.

Reader: “Ah, you’re just saying that to defend Clara.”
Louis: “Why, yes… of course. After all… she is my angel!”

The Faces of an Angel

Our baby girl just turned two. As you can see, she’s had fun this year.

I’m just trying out this new gallery. Click on any thumbnail to make the image larger. You can even comment on each image (in the reply box). By the way, which is the cutest photo? I’ve got my own favorite. Let’s see if you feel the same.

Photos of E-type

My brothers and I performed in Vemdalen Saturday evening, along with some other artists. E-type, alias Martin Eriksson, was also there with his band. They put on a great show. The music was tight and the mood was happy. Here are some photos from their concert.

E-type in Vemdalen, Sweden

I have met Martin several times and consider him a friend. When he saw me after the concert, he came over and gave me a bear hug. It was good to see him again. It struck me, however, how different we are; I am a religious educator, and he’s a rock artist in a truest sense of the word…. although a very sympathetic, compassionate rock artist. He’s got a good heart. And he cares for his fans, constantly showing them gratitude, whether on or off stage. I wish him all the best on his new tour.

Embarrassing Dad at Airport

Here is a photo story from the other week. Johannes loves anything that’s got to do with airplanes and airports. Knowing that, I have suggested a few times that we go to Arlanda airport, north of Stockholm, just to stroll around and maybe take some photos. (I also knew he needed some time away from home, so he could train more on his injured foot.) He loved that idea. So, one late afternoon we finally went ahead with our plans.

It was a strange weather day. When we drove to the airport, something of a snow storm was brewing up. It got worse and worse. I told Johannes that it would be best not to expect to much (of the visibility). Although I knew he most of all wanted to see the take-offs and landings, he tried to keep a straight face. “Well, at least we can see the inside of the airport as we walk around,” he said. Bless his heart, I thought, but please God, give him a fun experience. He really needs it.

Ten minutes later we arrived at Arlanda. And I tell you, it was the strangest weather phenomena I ever laid my eyes on. All of a sudden the snow stopped. And the clouds dispersed. Well, not completely. Only around the airport. Facing us was Arlanda in a fish bowl; dark clouds were together creating a huge circle around the airport, leaving an open top of clear, blue skies. It was being in the eye of the storm; calm on the inside, but raging weather on the outside. Our jaws just dropped, and we both said simultaneously: “Cool!” And I just smiled. Thank you, God.

We walked around for about an hour in all the terminals. Johannes knows I am a frequent flyer, so he throws all these questions my way: “Have you flown that plane? Did you ever feel unsafe? Which is the best airline? Why do they spray orange stuff on the wings?” And I put on my teacher’s mantle and say: “Glad you should ask… let me tell you, son…”

After a while he gets tired in his bad leg. We stop and take this photo. Then we look at some planes coming up and down the runway (behind Johannes in the photo). However, we notice it’s getting darker. But it’s also clearing up outside the airport. So we decide to try to find the road that take us to the end of the runway, so we can get a better view of the take-offs.

After about ten minutes of driving we actually find it. This is the place. Now we just have to wait for a plane.

Here come the first one.

And the second one. We are standing right underneath them as they come. “This is soooo cool!” Johannes yells over the engine noise. “Yes, but also soooo cold!” I reply. I’d forgotten to bring my jacket. Not a smart thing with temperatures at freezing point.

“I have a great idea!” Johannes said. “Why don’t you take the blanket from trunk of the car to cover yourself with.” Good idea, I thought. So for the next twenty minutes, this is how I looked. (Don’t laugh… at least I was warm.

We took a lot more photos. Some good. Some not so good. But it wasn’t the photos. It was just being together. And seeing Johannes laughing again and enjoying himself, that was worth more than anything.

But those sugary, dandy feelings were abruptly changed as a security car stopped by the side of the road, just behind ours. It struck me that perhaps we were trespassing or something, so shamefully I stroll to the officer’s car. He rolls down the window and explains that we are aloud to take photos, but not park on the side of the road. “Okay, sorry,” I reply. “We’ll make sure it won’t happen again.” Content he drove off.

Johannes said: “Dad, that’s so embarrassing. They’re gonna kick us out!” I responded: “No, it’s okay. Besides, it’s time to leave anyway.” Then we got in the car and drove toward home. But on the way, this particular road passed near the place where the planes landed - the opposite side of the runway. I asked Johannes if he wanted to see it. He gladly approved so I took him there, and stopped again by the side of the road.

Then we see this plane coming right at us. “Oooo, I’ve gotta hurry and get this shot!” I said, jumping out of the car. “But you’re not allowed to stop here!” said Johannes. “What if that security car comes again?” Having my shot ready in my viewer (see above) I casually reply: “Oh, he’s probably miles away by now. Besides I’m done now. We can leave.” Just as I utter that last word, who comes pulling up behind our car? You guessed it: the security guy. This time I feel really ashamed, like a naughty school boy in front of an angry teacher.

Ready to receive my punishment I walk up to him again. The first thing that comes out of my mouth was: “Wow, you’re really fast! Ha, ha.” He didn’t think that was funny. You know how you sometimes wish you could read other people’s minds. Well, this time I sure as heck didn’t want to. Besides, I didn’t have to. It was written all over his face: What an idiot!

I said my apologies - again - and jumped in the car and drove off. Johannes wasn’t late to comment: “I can’t believe you did that!” Starting to laugh I said: “Yeah, I know… pretty stupid, huh?” Then I added: “Still… at least I got my shot.” Once more he mumbled something about his embarrassing dad, and what he was going to tell mom, etc, etc. That set me off laughing even more - and soon he joined me. “But you have to admit,” I said, “that was a fun adventure we had?” “Yeah, dad… that was fun. Really fun.”

Once in a while, maybe embarrassing fathers aren’t so bad after all.

Baby Born with Two Faces

Do you ever seize to be amazed? In India a baby girl, Lali, was born with two faces, a very rare condition knowns as craniofacial duplication. When I saw this photo I thought, “Oh no! Poor child. Poor family. How will they ever survive this enormous trail?” But then I read the article in the Chicago Tribune. I was simply awestruck. Instead of feeling “cursed” by God (or the gods), this family actually feels blessed, even believing the child to be the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess. They plan to build a temple in her honor, and people are visiting them every day bringing gifts and money. Their poor little village is now known all across the world. The other blessing is that the girl actually is doing well physically. Her parents say Lali is fine, just like any other child.

Naturally, life will be become more and more difficult for the girl as she grows up, but I am still impressed how this family has taken on this seemingly impossible challenge and turned it around; they only see their child as a blessing for the family, nothing else. Talk about a positive outlook. I hope the grace of God will continue to wrap its arms around little Lali - especially in the years ahead.

Reflections of Christ

A friend sent me this link, to my great joy - not only because I love photography, but more importantly, because I love my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I just had to share it.

For those of you who feel similar to what I feel for Jesus, your love will deepen when watching these images, I promise. For those of you who have not yet felt the light of Christ in your life, but would like to understand this wonderful power, and what impact it has on the soul, maybe this will trigger a desire to plant that seed of faith in your heart. Any which way… it won’t hurt to watch.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRODUCTION. It comes from Reflections of Christ, which is a traveling fine art photography exhibit.

Gotta Love to Play!

I love the winning, I can take the losing,
but most of all I love to play.
Boris Becker

A good attitude to have. With this outlook, life is so much easier. Because if the end result is not always what we had hoped for, we can always say: “Oh well… at least I had fun playing, and I gave it my best shot!” It’s like I’ve said before, it’s not always the goal that bring happiness, but more often the journey.

See also The Journey is the Reward

Can Evil be Fun?

No, of course not… but this “Evil Eye” is very funny!

Life is a Game

Yesterday Johannes had his first day in school after the heart surgery. He wanted me to go with him, so I took the day off from work and helped him get settled in. It went very well. He was beaming when he saw his class mates again. This will do him a lot of good, I thought.

Today he went by himself, but before I went to work, during the school’s morning break, I went over to there (we live next door) just to see that he was happy. And he was. On the way back I passed Isak and his friends in 1st grade. First Isak ran to me and jumped in my arms, and shouted, “Daaaaady!!!” Then the other kids followed. They immediately asked if I wanted to play a game with them. I smiled, partly because I love to play, but partly because I knew that it won’t take many years before our children will do anything to not have their parents show up on school grounds. How embarrassing! So why not seize the opportunity while it is still there. And work? Well… it could wait twenty more minutes. We played tag and all kinds of games I don’t even know the names of. I haven’t run so much in months. When the bell rang I was all sweaty, but happy still. It was great to be a kid again - if only for a few moments.

So… at our jobs today, let’s step away from our computers and work stations for awhile and run around with our colleagues and play tag. If nothing else, it will put a smile on our faces (seeing how silly we all shall look). But, if we are happier at work, we will work harder and better… right? Maybe even a promotion for a new bill for parliament should be in place here: at least one game per day at every place of employment.

I’ll be the first to vote on it.