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?

Take Control (2): Be Good

Continuation of Take Control (1): Be a Captain

So in which end do we start if we want to take control of our lives? How about with the following truth: We reap what we sow. I believe most people, deep down inside, want a life filled with goodness. Doing good, then, has to be our first task. Because when we strive to do good, good will be our reward. No matter what faith or conviction we might have in life, this is universally true: The first step in gaining control of our lives is deciding to do the right thing. Period.

What is the right thing then? What is “good”? Well, we could spend hours debating that, I suppose, but here’s a thought. I believe it’s all about making decisions that lead to lasting joy and happiness, not to temporary and fleeting thrills. Take the example, in my previous post, with our radio DJ, the one who vowed not to drink or smoke. Some people may say to her: “Oh, I feel sorry for you, that you can’t do whatever you want!” They might think her freedom is limited. On the contrary, I would say her freedom is complete; she can choose to do whatever she wants; she has the power to choose both good and bad. But a person with any kind of addiction is never free to choose. He gave up that right the very moment became addicted. He can only choose the bad. Why? Because it’s controlling him, leaving him with no choice. If this is the state of our being, no real freedom can be experienced; hence, no real control. We become like birds who loose their ability to fly.

Take care of your wings. They are your ticket to freedom.

Now, this is not only about alcohol and tobacco, of course. It was just an example to illustrate a principle:

It is better to be in control than being controlled.

I guess I’m trying to say that doing “good” has to do with taking care of yourself and being kind to yourself. If you have a bad habit that ties you down and makes you unhappy, get rid of it! The surest way in gaining self esteem is the practice of self control. Say no to things you don’t want to do! Listen to your heart instead of group or media pressure. Remember, you are in charge! Knowing that, doesn’t it make you feel good? If something is stopping you from living all your dreams and living up to your full potential, get rid of those obstacles and stick to the program that you want - that which you have chosen.

The spider can build his own web. Can we?

To be continued…

Repairing My Son’s Heart

Our firstborn came to this world with a serious heart problem. He had holes between the his chambers, which fortunately is a not so unusual condition and easy to fix. But he was also diagnosed with Truncus, meaning he was born with an Aorta but no Pulmonary artery, hence giving his body no chance to receive oxidized blood. The doctors noticed it when he was a week old. I never forget the Cardiologists word during the ultra sound: “Well…” he said abruptly, “your son has a heart failure. He will die if we don’t operate immediately!”Just like that. No forewarning. No preparation. Our child, whom we had been longing for during much tribulation (my wife was very ill during her pregnancy), was now about to be taken away from us. How can one take such news without going into a state of shock.

Today I won’t go into all details, but suffice it to say that our son had his surgery. After eleven hours of complications on the operating table, he heart was fixed after a lot of cutting and pasting; most radically, the surgeons had to place a tube that connected to his heart’s right ventricle, then onward to both passage ways to the lungs. The tube, however, does not grow with the body as he grows older, so it needs to be exchanges from time to time. That happened to Johannes when he was a year old exactly.

Since then we, or rather he, has been very blessed. The second tube has “survived” longer than what is considered normal. The problem, however, is that it will, because of time, tighten up naturally, leaving a smaller passage way for the blood, making the heart pump faster. So the doctors have a important, balanced decision to make: Having to many open-heart surgeries will tare on the young body; operating to late will damage the heart muscle.

We have been told that it is soon time again to have open-heart surgery, but last week we took Johannes to the hospital for a few days, right before his tenth birthday, to open up the tube a little more. The doctors wanted to do this just to buy a little more time. It was simply done (if there is such a thing) by going up through the vein into the hearts right ventricle, and inserting a stent, a tiny steel net, into the tube. This was blown up by an ever more tiny balloon which opened the net so it widened the tube a fraction.

It went well…. we think. Time will tell. Our son handled it all very well, however. We are so proud of him. It’s not easy being a “heart child”, but God has blessed him immensely in is life, giving him an exeptionally good health after all. And even though it is never fun being at the hospital, the staff was great. We have many of them before and consider them our friends. Johannes was treated as a king. Which he is.

Preparing for operation.

After operation, together with his mother.

Recovering in hospital bed with gift from little brother.

Mormon Missionaries Forgive Attackers

For those who read the sad news in an earlier blog, Skinheads Assault Mormon Missionaries, about my nephew and his companion who are serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there’s this article from Bolton News that might interest you.

Both of the young Elders impress me. To be a part of such a beating, and then to unconditionally forgive your offenders, I think that exemplifies charity, the true love of Christ.

From what I understand Elder’s Herrey and Woolsey are feeling better and are happy in continuing their work, teaching the gospel of Christ - the gospel of peace. Of course, happenings such as this leave a mark on the soul, so it’s just my wish that we keep praying for them, that the Lord’s strength will keep them and guide them always.

Brother Louis

Christ Heals Family

One of my duties as a CES Coordinator is to visit teachers and students in their various classes, assisting with administrative matters. Last night, as I met with a class in central Sweden, I spoke at length with the teacher about her recent family tragedy. Her twenty-one year old son had passed away a month ago in a motor accident.

She explained that even though there had been many tears and a feeling of void in their lives, there had still been light - even peace. I asked her how it was possible? She spoke calmly but resolute: “It’s because of Christ.” I thought for a second about others who have expressed similar words, and although I for the most part have little reason to doubt their sincerity, there was something different about this woman. She really meant what she said. I could see it in her countenance; still the same person, yes, but different still.

“How do you mean?” I asked. She explained that she had always believed in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, at least in theory. “But now”, she said, “I know it really works!” Excitement gathered in her eyes as she continued, speaking also for her family: “Even though we have known that Christ has taken all our burdens upon himself, we have never felt it the way we do now. There are no why’s or if’s! Just a peaceful assurance that God is with us, lifting us when our own strength fails us.”

Many times have I felt the power of Jesus’ atonement. His healing power is real, no doubt. But I was still awestruck by the words I heard (and there were many more) last night. In a moment when most people would resort to despair and perhaps fear, this family had opened its heart to God - and was healed.

When we parted she thanked me sincerely for coming. “No problem,” I said, a little ashamed, “but… I should be the one thanking you!” I had come there hoping to give something to this teacher and her family, but I knew it was I who was at the receiving end.

Thank you.

How Is Your Conscience Today?

Recently I was out walking with my baby girl. When we entered our favorite forest path, she rapidly nodded off to sleep as the carriage softly swayed back and forth. Lucky me, I thought, time for a photo shoot. It was a beautiful day and I had my camera ready with a 100mm macro lens.

I enjoy the forest immensely. There is a special feeling there that I can’t put my finger on. This is the first image a took (arranged a little in Lightroom)

At the edge of the forest we reached a field, at which there was a highway on the opposite side. All of a sudden I saw this truck driving by.

The combination of seeing the text on this vehicle and me being outdoors, my environmental conscience was making itself known. I rejoiced at the knowledge that I had a short moment to enjoy all the gifts of nature. I even decided to celebrate that fact - by taking more photos.

I looked after more signs of autumn. Here’s one.

I went past a few allotment gardens. Here I found some remains of the rain from the night before.

And here are some melons, protected inside a green house.

On the way home I took some more forest shots.

I felt truly intoxicated by mother earth’s beauty. But… just as I made that point to myself I saw that someone literally had been intoxicated. The images I previously had in my mind were all erased - by this!

So much for green grass and “blue water”, I thought. I know it’s not the most vile crime, but still, who would do such a thing? I usually try to see the good in each of God’s children, so I worked hard at pushing away any feelings of anger. Then I reached up, grabbed the beer can from the branch, and started for home.

But after ten yards or so, I saw the light falling nicely by this tree trunk. I just had to stop. So I placed the can on the ground and took my picture.

After leaving that spot, and walking a while, I suddenly stopped and said out loud: “Oh, no, the can!” I forgot to bring it! Then a voice crept into my left ear: “No, just forget about it! It’s too far to go back. It wasn’t even your can to begin with!”

I was almost sold on the idea when I heard another voice, this time from my right side: “Do you really want to be like the other one? That’s who you’ll be if you walk away now!”

I sighed. “Okay, okay!” I answered my conscious. (It’s strange - but maybe not - how he always knows the right questions to ask.) Without further thought I went back, picked up the can, then threw it in the nearest trash bin. Just as I did so an elderly couple with walking sticks passed by. Apparently they had seen what had happened, because the woman said to me: “Wow, I wish everyone could do what you just did now!”

They passed me so quickly that I didn’t get a chance to register the comment, so all I could squeeze out was: “Uhhh… thanks!”

And thanks to you… conscience!

Louis

Show Your True Colors

I was captured by some autumn motives today. This is one of them.

When I saw this yellow tree I got what may seem to be a silly thought, but nonetheless…

How does that birch tree feel? I mean, she stands there showing her bright colors, in the middle of everything, sticking out from the rest? Does she feel out of place?

No. It can’t be. Just look at her! See how she stretches towards the sky, how she waves to us with her beautiful color, projecting her branches for all to see.

She wants me to notice her. Here am I, look at me! She shouts it, not because she is proud in thinking she is better than all the other trees, but because she is proud of who she is, and the joy she can give others.

And right now she is moving on. The world around her is clinging to its old ways, but she is taking steps forward, not afraid to change. After all, that’s what her life is all about.

In every way she is showing her true colors.

Are you and I?

Skinheads Assault Mormon Missionaries

I was reached by chocking news today. My nephew, who is serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was together with his companion assaulted cruelly by a band of ten skinheads in Bolton, England last night. While the two missionaries were severely battered a vehicle passed by with flashing light, scaring off the offenders. “Without the arrival of the car we probably wouldn’t have survived,” my nephew told his father, seemingly aware of the gang’s fatal intention. Currently he and his companion are in the hospital being treated for multiple injuries.

Naturally, my brother and his family are in a state of emotional turmoil right now. And although not parents of the victims, me and my wife’s hearts are turned to Sebastian, whom we love so dearly, and to his companion. We honor them for their bravery and pray for their fast recovery.

Sadly, persecution has always been geared toward our Church. From the very beginning, verbal and physical abuse was the constant companion of each Church members. And even though mob violence against us has subdued over the years, it has now begun to escalate again, especially against missionaries.

The tragedy is that this violence is being fueled by more and more anti-mormons who stop at nothing to discredit the Church, always through untruthful rhetoric. I won’t bring up all their reasons here today, but suffice it to say that I feel ashamed of these fellow “Christians” who use more energy in slandering other faiths than in building up their own.

God bless you, Elder Sebastian Herrey. I know that not every day of our “Good Life” is a good day. But it is my prayer that the Lord will help you gather strength, not fear, from what happened. I know He will.

Uncle Louis