"I, [Aram], having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my [Father and Mother]..."
I wish I had spent more time with my family before I left on my mission. I wish I had gotten to know them better and built up a better relationship with them.
Yes, we have a good relationship right now, but I think back to what it could be if I spent more time getting to know them when I was younger...
When I look back at my child and teen years, I take a look back memory lane. I see flashes of the little things my Dad did for me. He tried to reach out to me but something else was always more... Important. (you know; video games, books, homework, etc.)
Created with excerpts from M. Russell Ballards' Talk "Fathers and Sons: A remarkable relationship"
Did I take a moment and ask my parents about their hopes and dreams?(shocking, right?) What about their life BEFORE I came into the picture? (Yes, there is a before) How much time did I really spend with them?
It's a two way street, both parent and child need to want it...
But how do we increase our relationship???
We do it the same ways that we build friendships with other people! At least that's what I've found. I talk with them, I ask them how they are doing!
I think it's kind of like that with God.
I know that we can go to our Heavenly Father in prayer and talk with Him, just as we do with our parents here on Earth.
What activities have you seen that help build a better relationship with your parents?
Note: Elder Matt Hart will be taking over posts on Fridays starting next week! Be sure to give him a warm welcome!
Dear Aram,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words to your Mom and I. We appreciate the great help that you were at home. Yes as a teen there were many times that we wanted to do something with you and you did not want to. When you were younger, there were many times you wanted to do things with us and we sent you on your way. Such as the time when you were in Kindergarten and we were playing and then it was time for school. I left you crying in the school building. After I left, the teacher asked why you were crying and you answered that you wanted to keep playing with your Dad. The desire for a better relationship is important in building better relationships.
Love, Dad
And thus we see that my Parents really do care!
DeleteThanks so much for everything you did for me Dad!