My Mormon Third Eye: I See...When Father’s Day Comes Every Day

Sunday, June 15, 2014

I See...When Father’s Day Comes Every Day

If you are someone fortunate enough to be a father to children, how does your typical Father’s Day unfold? For me, with two grown children forging lives of their own thousands of miles away, it usually involves a somewhat quiet Sunday at home, peppered with an inspirational sacrament meeting, a few pleasant phone calls from the kids, and a favorite meal of my choice- this year it’s steak bites, a smarmy salad, fresh strawberries, and a homemade chocolate mousse pie for dessert. Yum! Ever since my children have grown old enough to appreciate me, I’ve warned them that I only want two gifts for Father’s Day; their appreciation and their love- a love that can only be shown by leading diligent lives in conformance to gospel principles. So far, they have not let me down; I am blessed.

Today I’m pondering, what would happen if it was Father’s Day every day? Personally, I’m afraid I would turn into a fat, prideful, and big-headed head of household. However, if we accept the divine pattern of living within families, then we have a Heavenly Father, the father of our spirits, the author of the plan of salvation, who loves us with a perfect love beyond our puny mortal capabilities to comprehend. For Him, every day truly is Father’s Day; he is completely immersed in making us happy, and all he desires in return is a daily “thank you” in our prayers and our love, which is shown through keeping his commandments.

However, I don't know what his favorite meal is...

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The Mormon Third Eye Quote of the Week

"As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church. But we must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Priesthood Session Conference, October 2012

Why My Mormon Third Eye?

When I politely excused myself in the middle of dinner to make a bathroom stop, how did Mom know that I had uneaten peas in my pocket to flush down the toilet? When I came home late from a youth dance and slid quietly into bed to avoid waking parental units, how did Dad know, without looking at the car, that I smashed in the front bumper? When I watch my daughter play a video game, how do I know that she's not ready for her Geometry final?

Its the Third Eye. The notorious eye in the back of the head, the extra view of life that God blesses parents striving to do the right thing so they can see more of life than the children they chase after.

Our third eye also permits us to see things and feel emotions that are too refined, too far on the edge of our standard two-eyed peripheral vision to enjoy in its fullness. I've learned that I have a Mormon Third Eye; that is, as a life-long, fully-dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have unique perspective on how the doctrines of the gospel and the demands of my faith in them intersect every other part of my mortal existence to create the entertaining, self-deprecating kaleidoscope of my life.

So... for those of you bold and bored enough to read this far, every so often I'll be sharing here what my Mormon third eye sees. Third eyes are relatively huge; they see the humorous, the entertaining, the embarrassing, the beautiful, the inspirational, and even the moral and political; however, they tend to ignore the evil, depressing and destructive: there is enough of that in world already!

The Four Secrets to Successful Living

Always Go Where There is Free Food - This includes ward and work parties, wedding receptions and missionary open houses; the money you spend to buy the ingredients for the world-famous triple chocolate cake you bring doesn’t count.
Never Pay Full Price for Anything – See my posts on Black Friday escapades for more information on this.
Never, Ever Press the Red Button - Usually, if you are faced with a red button somewhere, don’t press it – it usually means trouble. For example, the red button launches the missiles. Do yourself a favor and don’t press it.
Any Problem You Face Can Be Solved With Bungee Cords and Duct Tape - Bungee cord and duct tape technology has saved many marriages and ward parties. I’m not just talking about problems with plumbing or keeping groceries from bouncing around the trunk; I know of relationship and family issues that have been solved with creative applications of these two substances.