I suppose most every parent is inspired by their sons and daughters. I was inspired just tonight as I dropped off my daughter Lynzy and her husband, Keith, at the back door of their third-of-a-house home on Center Street in Provo. I was dropping them off because they wanted to spend Sunday afternoon with us in Springville, but they didn't have enough gas in their car to make it to Springville and back. There they stood fumbling with their key in the dark. My mind, at supersonic speed, envisioned all the wonderful surprises that await Lynzy and Keith during the next fifty years. I am inspired by their dedication to each other, their zest for living every day to the fullest, their goals, and their gratitude for all they have.
I am inspired by my son, Dave. He's living in Washington, DC for the summer working as an intern for the National Defense University. His love for his job is inspiring. Our frequent calls are always full of his daily adventures. I'm inspired by his love for people and his willingness to go out of his way to make everyone a friend. I'm inspired by his courage to try something new and difficult. I'm inspired by his trust in God and his faith that his life is not really his own. He lives to serve his family and friends, and even those he doesn't know so well.
My oldest son, Dan, and his wife, Jenny, are inspiring. They have been married two years and they are working hard to make a beautiful life together. Jenny is in the middle of starting a cafe in downtown Provo that is testing the limits of her energy and Dan is helping his boss remodel a new and much bigger office space for The Painted Temple where he works. They are responsible, loyal, and dedicated. I'm also inspired by their parenting skills. They became parents on April 12 to little Juniper Nueva Walker, who has quickly become the most wonderful gift ever. Her smile melts me, her giggle is so happy I can't describe what it does to my insides when I hear it.
I'm inspired by Jesse. Just a couple of days ago Jesse's backpack was stolen by a man at Lagoon. He lost a lot of valuable things, but the thing he was the most sad to lose was his memory card which held a years worth of pictures of him and sweet Ali. I'm inspired by his willingness to value what is really important. I'll always been inspired by his gentle heart.
Jaden, my youngest is inspiring. His quiet nature causes me to have to listen and watch extra carefully so as not to miss out on what's going on in his head, but when I do, I'm so inspired by his kind heart and quiet passion. He's a friend to all because of his easy nature. He's never one to hog the lime light or demand attention. I'm inspired by his dedication to his goals--t's midnight and he just left to go running. I'm impressed by the way he watches and observes and then learns from what he sees and hears.
Most every human is inspiring if we're willing to watch for a moment.
