Dear Rose Canyon 3rd Ward family,

I was recently thinking about those who have influenced my life for good, especially when I was a youth. My first YM leaders were Charlie Sheen and Norm Prete. These two men couldn’t have been more different in their personalities and backgrounds, but together they were essential in teaching me to love and respect the beauties of nature and the wonderful gifts Heavenly Father blesses us with in this world. Next was Dave Pilling who spent great time with us and demonstrated an incredible love for his family, especially his children, that made me want to have a family like his. Phil Lybbert taught me the importance of respect for women and Darryl May helped me prepare for a mission. My home teaching companion, Ross Jensen, taught me how to be faithful in my calling. My youth Bishops, Gordon Sheen and Rex Anderson were instrumental in guiding me through the challenges of youth and giving me opportunities to serve and grow in my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I remember being nervous about going to the temple for my own endowment, but when the temple worker helping me turned out to be Barker Selman, a kind and trusted older brother from my hometown, I was immediately at ease. There are many more, but none more influential than my dad, Wayne. We spent many hours in conversation as we drove from job to job together. He shared his testimony and gospel insights with me continuously.  His daily love, influence, and sacrifice for me were the most impactful of all. Other than my dad, I don’t remember any specific words these wonderful men taught, but I do remember how they acted and what I felt by their examples of Christ-like love. I doubt any of them knew the significant impact they had on me and the trajectory of my life, but I am ever Grateful. As each of you serve our ward, your example, how you live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, will be the most influential memory for those you serve and serve with.

I invite you to focus on the first two great commandments, “Love the Lord thy God with all they heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”, and “Love thy neighbor as thyself” in all you do as you serve. No matter what, the love you express for others as a disciple of Jesus Christ will be the most important and lasting influence you will have. You may never know the full impact of that love, but you can be assured that it will be remembered and appreciated. You are here, now, to be a light to those around you as were those who shared their light with you in their time. May the Savior’s choicest blessings be yours, as you share His light and love, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.