Trim It Up

I had one of those moments today, maybe because it is Fathers Day and I am a bit of a loner or perhaps I just couldn't stand the thought of using any more hair gel.  Anyway, it was one of those 'I am really tired of my hair' moments and it lead to a bit of a self inflicted wound on my head.  Actually, worst case scenario struck and I am now enjoying a buzz cut.  Oh, I really don't mind the buzz cut, it is easy to maintain and really helps my shampoo conservation league.  If I had a problem with the old buzz look I wouldn't cut my own hair.  I am sure that Amy will have a thing or two to say about it when she comes back into town but really I need to get back in the habit of trimming it up myself.  Amy is getting married in a few weeks and I won't be able to take advantage of her hair cutting services much longer - well, seeing as this is a buzz cut I won't be taking advantage of those services any time soon.  Unfortunately I decided to start said haircut 30 minutes before church started so instead of being comfortably early I snuck in during announcements.  I know, it is really sad that I couldn't manage to get myself to church on time and it was just me. 

Speaking of church, it was High Council Sunday.  I can't help but remember last Fathers Day as it was my first lonely Fathers Day and also High Council Sunday.  Happy to say that the message today was a little more, well friendly.  It was still a serious message and it discussed some very important doctrine relative to being a patriarch in your home and honoring the Priesthood.  Brother Rowley was our High Council rep today and I have to say that he is one of my favorite people.  He is so very in tune with the Spirit.  I have always been edified and uplifted when I have received instruction from him.  He is a good man and I feel his love for the Lord.  I am grateful for his righteous example.  I reflected on that when I saw him on the stand and certainly felt it during his remarks. 

There were several things he said that impressed me today.  I took a few notes.  Here are a few of the things he shared:

• The influence of a father has eternal consequences. 
• The cross hairs of Satan's scope are fixed on Fathers.
• Righteous fathers have to rise above the standards of the world and live up to the expectations that our Heavenly Father has for fathers and Melchizedek Priesthood holders.
• What will be your report regarding your influence on your family?  
• Will you exercise a celestial influence?
• Heavenly Father is aware of those who do not have perfect circumstances and he will make all things just and fair.

There were several other points made and things shared and a lot to think about and things to improve upon.  As I think about some of the points noted I cannot help but recognize the importance or living a righteous life, listening to and following the promptings of the Spirit and striving to do those things that the Savior would have me do.  I also see how weak I am and recognize the great need I have for the atonement in my life.  There is certainly a need to rise above the standards of the world, they are not good enough and will not enable me to exercise a celestial influence in my family.  That responsibility is great and I cannot treat it lightly. 

I just got off the phone with Natty, Jack and Andy.  Wonderful to talk to my sweet kids.  I dare say it was the highlight of this Fathers Day for me.  I cetainly hope that I can be the kind of father they need me to be and exercise a celestial influence in their lives.