Impressions
Last night, I had the wonderful opportunity of spending time with my bride and visiting a wedding reception. It was a wonderful evening filled with observations and impressions.
Before we start, lets talk about the set up. We had been invited by my manager from work. This was the first wedding of one of her children. She has been working in the industry for just a few years more than we have been. Her husband is the head coach of one of the local high school football teams and teaches history. He has been doing that just as long as she has been working in the industry. To top it off, her son, a recently returned missionary, got married in the Salt Lake City Temple. Her son is the only member of the church in their family.
He married a dashing young lady who attends BYU, her father is a doctor, and was recently released as the stake president of their stake. Evidently, her family is very close to one of the quorum of 12. He performed the sealing, attended the ring ceremony, dinner and reception.
It was amazing to see these two families and all the influences they have combined last night into one big shin dig. The reception started at 7, we arrived about 7:30. It was held at some country club near their homes. We stood in line for just over an hour before we were able to get to the bride and groom, both of whom we had never met personally. When we left a little after 9, there was still a line.
There were people from all walks of life at this grand gathering spot. As we mingled and moved through the line, I pondered the many different influences these two families had been part of over the life times of their children. I watched people and wondered how they had been influenced by or been an influence to these amazing people. I pondered the influence they had been to me. I guess in away, I was comparing myself to them, the surroundings, and all who were in attendance. I began to mull over my own circle of influence and wondered if it was for the good or the bad.
With this all being said, I was completely taken back as we approached the bride and groom. As we introduced ourselves to the groom, again someone we had never met personally, his eyes grew big and he wrapped his arms around me. He comment was, you are the man, thank you for all you have done to help me.
I was gracious, we congratulated them, and moved on to the parents. As we walked away, I was touched. I continue to ponder. Our influence of good goes beyond those with whom we associate. It radiates to their family, their friends, and beyond. I learned, that no matter where we are, what we are doing, and who we are doing it with, we must remember who we are, who we represent, and act accordingly. Look outside yourself and see the influence you can be in the world. You are and can be.
Before we start, lets talk about the set up. We had been invited by my manager from work. This was the first wedding of one of her children. She has been working in the industry for just a few years more than we have been. Her husband is the head coach of one of the local high school football teams and teaches history. He has been doing that just as long as she has been working in the industry. To top it off, her son, a recently returned missionary, got married in the Salt Lake City Temple. Her son is the only member of the church in their family.
He married a dashing young lady who attends BYU, her father is a doctor, and was recently released as the stake president of their stake. Evidently, her family is very close to one of the quorum of 12. He performed the sealing, attended the ring ceremony, dinner and reception.
It was amazing to see these two families and all the influences they have combined last night into one big shin dig. The reception started at 7, we arrived about 7:30. It was held at some country club near their homes. We stood in line for just over an hour before we were able to get to the bride and groom, both of whom we had never met personally. When we left a little after 9, there was still a line.
There were people from all walks of life at this grand gathering spot. As we mingled and moved through the line, I pondered the many different influences these two families had been part of over the life times of their children. I watched people and wondered how they had been influenced by or been an influence to these amazing people. I pondered the influence they had been to me. I guess in away, I was comparing myself to them, the surroundings, and all who were in attendance. I began to mull over my own circle of influence and wondered if it was for the good or the bad.
With this all being said, I was completely taken back as we approached the bride and groom. As we introduced ourselves to the groom, again someone we had never met personally, his eyes grew big and he wrapped his arms around me. He comment was, you are the man, thank you for all you have done to help me.
I was gracious, we congratulated them, and moved on to the parents. As we walked away, I was touched. I continue to ponder. Our influence of good goes beyond those with whom we associate. It radiates to their family, their friends, and beyond. I learned, that no matter where we are, what we are doing, and who we are doing it with, we must remember who we are, who we represent, and act accordingly. Look outside yourself and see the influence you can be in the world. You are and can be.
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