Givers and Takers

Among the many mysterious ojects in the universe one of the most intriguing are what are called "black holes". They start as massive stars 10 to 15 times the size of our own sun. At the end of their life, the star collapses in on itself leaving behind a small object with gravity so strong nothing can escape it, not even light. A black hole orbiting around a companion star would suck the gases and matter from that star into itself until nothing is left of the star. Anything and everything that gets near it is pulled inside.

Conception of a black hole pulling gas off of a nearby star. Credit: ESA/NASA

In contrast to a black hole, consider our own sun. This shining bright star gives light and life to everything on the earth. It maintains balance within the solar system. It radiates light, heat, and energy. Without the sun, the earth would be a cold, lifeless rock in space.

Sun Sky - Noel James Celfi Gallery Photos

While some people are like the sun, others are like black holes. I'll call them "givers" and "takers." Givers share what they have, radiate warmth, and give life to others around them. Takers not only receive, but they take anything and everything that they can.

The apostle Paul described "takers" in this way:
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

(New Testament, 2 Timothy 3:1 - 5)

As a black hole devours all matter and energy into itself, takers also take away the light of Christ, and replace it with selfishness and hatred. They are all about what they can get out of life.

This is in direct contrast to what we as Christians should be like. The Savior taught us this:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

(New Testament, John 13:34 - 35)

Mosiah further explained it in the Book of Mormon:

"...humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith.... And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true. And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due. And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish."

(Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:11 - 16)

My hope is that you will work towards becoming a brilliant shining giver, rather than a dark, all-consuming taker.

My Mom

"The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work."
(Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘Because She Is a Mother’,” Ensign, May 1997, 35)

I'd like to take the opportunity this Mother's Day to honor my own mother. She has always been a great example of selfless love, patience, courage, compassion, kindness, meekness, faith, nurturing, and sacrifice. Even now in the midst of a debilitating disease, she remains positive and cheerful. She used to sing and play the piano. How I wish I coud hear her voice sing again, and her hands play the beautiful music of my grandfather.

President Monson perfectly described my mother when he said the following in April General Conference of 1992:

"Mother, who willingly made that personal journey into the valley of the shadow of death to take us by the hand and introduce us to birth—even to mortal life—deserves our undying gratitude. One writer summed up our love for mother when he declared, 'God could not be everywhere, and so He gave us mothers.'

While on the cruel cross of Calvary, suffering intense pain and anguish, Jesus 'saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!' (John 19:26–27.) What a divine example of gratitude and love!

My own mother may not have read to me from the scriptures; rather, she taught me by her life and actions what the 'Good Book' contains."
(Thomas S. Monson, “An Attitude of Gratitude,” Ensign, May 1992, 54)

I thank Heavenly Father for my Mom and everything she taught me, both by example and by her words. I hope that my daughters will someday be as good a mother to their children as my own mother was to me. And may my son find a mate as worthy as my Mom.

I love you, Mom.

Loving to Laugh

Some people who are unfamiliar with our church are surprised to learn that we like to laugh and have a good time. We have church dances, birthday parties, wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations, and so on. We watch funny television shows and movies. There is a scripture in the Book of Mormon that assures us that the Adam's transgression in the Garden of Eden was necessary in order for us to enjoy life.

"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."(Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:25)

Of course, "joy" means much more than just being entertained or having a good laugh. On the other hand, life without laughter would be rather dull. Each of us has various trials to endure in life and laughter helps us get through the tough times.

Here's a clip from an old Disney movie, "Son of Flubber", which I think is incredibly funny!:



That was good, clean humor, without obscenities, sexual references, or vulgarities. That's what makes me laugh.

If we're not careful, we can actually get carried away, although not up to the ceiling. It's important to be mindful not to laugh at another person's expense nor in a manner that would offend. Humor that is enjoyed and shared by everyone is the best kind and I believe that it is a gift from Heavenly Father to us so that we can have joy. I love to laugh.