Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

One of the most memorable talks I've heard in a sacrament meeting was given by a high school friend in our singles ward. He talked about some experiences on his mission and a saying engraved on a coin in the country he served in. The saying went something like "You can see farther when standing on the shoulders of giants." That's not verbatim so don't quote me. It's a thought that I've pondered many times since then. After a chat with my older brother Nate today, I reflected on the idea that I am in my situation because of so many who have gone before me in this life. I truly stand on the shoulders of giants. The list is long, but I want to recognize a few of them.

My Ancestors - I stand on the shoulders of the giants who are my ancestors. Truly I would not be where I am today without them. The decisions that they made throughout their lives have influenced me in ways that I can not comprehend in this life. I am so grateful to those ancestors of mine who first embraced the gospel and made decisions to live it throughout their lives. I am so grateful for my ancestors who came after the initial baptisms and stayed true to the faith. I stand on their shoulders. I am grateful for where they all decided to live for I feel that each of those locations played a part in who I am.

My Parents - I stand on the giant shoulders of my parents. They have loved me so much and made so many wonderful and great decisions that I have been blessed by, I could never thank them enough. I am so grateful for their great examples. I am grateful for all that they taught me. I am grateful for the vision that they had for me and my siblings in raising us. I am grateful that they are active members of the Church. I stand on their shoulders and reach ever higher.

My Siblings - Even though we might be considered competitive, I rejoice in the success of my siblings. They continually teach me new things and push me to strive for my full potential. They care about me and have always supported me. They laid a lot of groundwork in who I have become. I have learned so much from each of them that I am honored to be a brother to each of them and their spouses. They are giants in my eyes who I try to emulate and reach the next heights with.

My Wife - I can not truly state the love and appreciation that I have for my dear wife. I stand on her shoulders everyday as she continually makes life better and better. I can not praise her enough for all that she has done for me. This past year of marriage (in nine days) has been the greatest year of my life hands down. I have grown so much because of what Michelle has taught me. Her love, kindness, thoughtfulness, selflessness, and desire to be a righteous wife and mother are truly inspiring. I would not be the man I am today without her. That speaks back to our days in elementary school. She pushed me all the time. I stand on her shoulders and look forward to the years ahead where her shoulders push me ever higher as she continues to grow as well. I'll be able to ride to the greatest heights on her shoulders.

In the end, I have left out specific mention of so many. It's too hard to list out everyone, but I recognize and realize that I stand a little bit on everyone's shoulders. That's the way it is supposed to be. I am so excited to become a dad and help my children to rise to greater heights than I could ever dream for myself in this life. It's all a great big cycle and I am so grateful to be a part of it.