Eleven Things I've Learned From My Father-in-Law

I've said it twice on this blog before. My father-in-law is literally the best man I know. Here are some of the few things I've learned over the six years I've known him...

1. That the temple, the most holy of Mormon worship places, is "The Lord's University" and we can learn something new each time we attend.

2. That just because you thank someone for something once doesn't mean you can't thank them again. John gave my father-in-law something useful and precious to him five years ago and every time he uses it, he profusely thanks John for it again.

3. Just because your spouse might do something wrong, you don't have to point it out.

4. Service is the ultimate source of happiness.

5. You can have a conversation without involving criticism of others and still be interesting to those around you.

6. Violence is never the answer.

7. Documenting the events that occur in your life through writing, recording and photographing, can bring immense joy as they are looked back upon.

8. Sacrifices can and should be made to attend the important events in family member's lives, such as baby blessings, baptisms, ordinations to become a missionary or a bishop, and marriages.

9. If you have negative feelings towards your spouse, do something nice for him or her.

10. If you feel down or depressed, do something nice for someone else.

11. One of the easiest ways to be friendly is to wave or smile to those you pass by.

I love you, Dad. :)

(Dad, with his niece, Lisa)