Chit-Chat With Dad

Elder: How are you doing?

Dad: Good! Really great. Very, very cold. About 10” or more of snow over the weekend. How about you? How was your last Sunday?

Elder: Oh really? Wow! I will be having a white Christmas then! Horary! It was really good. Really awesome experience.

Dad: I bet you are looking forward to driving again. You might just want to walk everywhere. Haha. We are moving to a bigger shop across the parking lot. What are your plans for the next few days? Did you get to baptize all those people?

Are your bags packed?

Elder: Dad, I am leaving 9 baptisms here! Can you believe that!? Because this week was Stake Conference we didn't have any baptisms..

Dad: So your companion will baptize them for you? That says a lot about you working until the very end! That is awesome! That is finishing strong for sure! No regrets!!!! That makes me one happy dad! I have been so proud of the work that you have done. I know that you can feel that your Father in Heaven is very pleased with your efforts. Of course the Savior is saying, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

Elder: I sure hope so!! But yeah that has been a big goal of mine to work hard right up to the last day. The AP's are coming to get us Friday morning, and we have appointments up until that Thursday night.

Dad: Sweet! So are you ready to come home?

Elder: I have been patiently waiting to for this moment for 2 years...

Dad: Well you have been working very hard. Are you saying that this has been the best two years of your life?

Elder: Now that I am at the end I say of course... But if you would have asked me that a few months ago... 

Dad: Well that is something that I understand! Been there and felt that. It will be sweeter as time passes for sure! You’ve got to be proud of yourself right? I am proud of you for sure!

Elder: Thank you dad. That really does mean a lot to me. I mean like president always says, “We could have always done more. Always could have knocked on one more door, always could have taught one more lesson, but we just have to work our hardest and know that the Lord is happy with our efforts.”

Dad: I don't think that I could have put it any better. He is a wise man. I am sure that the Lord is happy with your effort! For sure. I can tell you that I have received many blessings through your service! I have supported your efforts and I can tell you our family has been blessed for sure. I know that work related blessings are a result of the service you have put forth! I will never think anything different! The men that I work with have been honest and fair! They have done what they said they would do! Unlike others that I have worked for that have been dishonest and greedy. So yes I'd say I have been blessed. I know that you will be blessed for the rest of your life if you keep doing the right things. I know you know what that means.

Elder: Thanks dad... That really does mean a lot!! You are the best! It is going to be good to be able to sit down and actually talk when I am home!

Dad: Yes it will be. Sooner than you think.

Elder: In just one short week... It is so crazy that it is actually going to happen!

Dad: I know! We are all looking forward to your coming home! I've got to run so I'll say bye for now! I Love You Son!!!!! Looking forward to a great time when I can give you a big hug! My only son is coming home!! Only the second Layton to fulfill a full time mission! Stay safe and travel safe. This week will fly by faster than you know. Remember to enjoy this last week! Take time to write your feelings down. I want you to remember those people’s lives you have touched!

In the quiet moments in my mind I often recall and remember the choice few people/families that changed my life as much as the gospel changed theirs. I often think about them, even after so many years! The impact on me has been eternal. I think that me telling you that now may have a different meaning now then it will ever have at any other time. I promise you it will for the rest of this life! Your soul has been changed. You are the same great person, but better, for the past two years and all that you have learned and gone through. I can say that from personal experience!

TRAVEL SAFE ELDER LAYTON!