Rip - Off Saturday

Tamra had this on her face book.  It's just too good and too true to not pass on.

The greatest cause of man's unhappiness is his willingness to give up what he wants most, for what he wants now.

It has given me a lot to think about.  The choice of an extended family member prompted it.  Though I have not made a mistake like that, I know that I have had my moments, days and even longer at times in my life. I have been feeling so grateful for my upbringing.  

Though it was pretty rocky at times, I knew that there were some constants that would always be there and I am grateful that those I depended on proved to have longevity in my life.  It did teach me to not take the good time for granted, to look carefully and prayerfully for the right man to tie myself to for eternity.

Soon after we married that same man, my Old Feller, told someone we were talking to, that in most decisions in life, you have to "stack the deck" in your favor and hope for the best.  Gee, he stole my heart all over again!  Big goof!  Of course, over the years, he was proven right on many fronts.

Now, after the last few weeks of watching a dear family of friends going through Hell, in the Biblical sense (sorry but there is no other word for it) I have renewed my appreciation for Jon.  I don't take him for granted and have vowed to be a better wife to and for him.  I am not insinuating nor do I think that this person's decision is justified by other's actions or lack of them in any way.  I just want Jon to know that he is appreciated, respected and that the best place for him is right where he is, just as it has been for over 32 years now.  I tend to become complacent very easily, not so good.

In other words, my efforts to stack that deck for both of us have grown.  I don't know why some others have to deal with trials like this and I have not had to.  I do know that many who are innocent are often harmed in one way or another by the decisions of others.

I guess it just boils down to that quote from Tamra's FB: 

The greatest cause of man's unhappiness is his willingness to give up what he wants most, for what he wants now.

In these times our values will be tested in many new ways.  I hope that me and all of mine will be able to hold tight to the rod (1 Nephi 8: 19-20, 24, 30), keep their priorities straight and in line with His plan for us and keep their families strong and close.