Today our immediate family had a unique six hours together in our home as we engaged in family development being led in group conversations and activities that allowed us to understand each other's personalities, ways of communication, and values. Thank you Richard and Michelle for being so willing to share your insights and knowledge with our family. I was especially touched by the values that each one of us chose and why they were important. Near the end, we presented our children with a book entitled our "Family Story" which recalls stories from our past and present, characteristics and values important to us, and pictures of people, events and places. One of my thoughts from our "Family Story" elaborated on happiness:
I used to tell my own children that I just want them to be happy, but having had more life experiences now, I don't want them just to be happy. I want them to seek after good things as it says to do in the Thirteenth Aritcle of Faith. In addition to happiness, I desire them to seek for deeper, more meaningful things that will help them to develop more Christlike characteristics in their lives. If they have character traits like honesty, integrity, work ethic, and compassion, then they will be ably to give service, enjoy life, have fun, and be happy in any circumstance or challenge that comes their way. It's not just about them. It is about loving and serving others. Family fun and togetherness is important because when you get together you better be laughing, smiling, uplifting, supporting, and enjoying each other; otherwise, you won't want to be together. Faith, charity, steadfastness, and family fun equal happiness!
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