I was talking with my dad, or rather he was talking to me, and he was telling me how I shouldn’t let my environment control me. How I should create my own environment to better myself. If I’m rich, then pretend I’m poor in order to better myself. If I live in good conditions, act and live as if I’m in bad conditions. Another point he had was for me to care for my parents more. He said he is unfortunately doing well and is very healthy, otherwise if he was sick then I would be able to learn how to take care of my father. To not let a good situation lead to my downfall. He mentioned that it’s through difficulties and harsh situations that one can grow, but if you aren’t in that situation then act like you are. He wished I was in those situations so that I can learn what’s important and learn to truly become a better person.
As I listened to my dad, other than feeling shamed about not being very caring towards my parents, it reminded me of a few things.
1. The first was the sermon I heard that same day in the morning called “While It Is Day”. The message was to grasp hold of every opportunity we have, while it is day. To not wait until it’s too late and have regrets. While it is day, while things are going well, while we still have the chance, we share, we preach, we love. While my family is doing well, I care for them before it’s too late. While we still can preach, we preach to our friends before it’s too late. While salvation is at hand, we grasp onto it before it’s too late, or preach to others while the door of salvation is still open. Don’t think there’s always tomorrow, or there are many tomorrows, or after tomorrow there’s always another tomorrow. We are given the day today, so while it is still day we must work, before it’s too late.
2. Another thing it reminded me of was the verse, “It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth.”
3. The last thing it reminded me of was God. While my dad was talking to me, I could feel inside that he was kind of hurt because he mentioned that I have such a good life and he has a good life, so I feel like I don’t really need him and I don’t feel like I need to take care of him. I was thinking maybe this is what my heavenly Father thinks of us. When we are in trouble and distress we rely on Him, come to Him, but sadly, without these trials and difficulties, we don’t do much to love Him. God warns us “When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today” (Deu 8:10-11). God always wants to give us good things, but sometimes He gives us difficulty to train us and to let us grow. He knows it hurts, and it hurts Him when it hurts us, but He does it for our good. But when we are not in these difficulties that God may give us, it is our job to still act the same, as if we were. Pray to Him as if we were, rely on Him as if there was no other way. Don’t let the blessings become a curse. As my earthly father was telling me these things, it’s really touching to realize how much he loves me and wants me to grow. How much more our heavenly Father! He grieves when we turn away because of the blessings He gives, but He hurts when He wants to discipline us to let us grow and be a better person, because He knows these blessings don’t do us good.
I really need to take my dad’s advice. To try to create my own environment instead of letting my environment to control me, to work while it is still day before the night comes and there is regret, and to love my earthly father (and mother) and even more my heavenly Father even when there is no reason to rely on them or care for them, because they care for me and want me to grow.