All Hands on Deck
“In these perilous times, as our youth are faced with this increased adversity, we can learn from others. In the armed forces, particularly in all the navies throughout the world, every seaman understands one phrase that is a clarion call for immediate help, no matter what he is doing or where he is on the ship. The call is ‘All hands on deck.’ Many a battle at sea has been won or lost by the response to this call.
“We–as members of the Church, leaders of youth, anxious fathers, and concerned grandfathers–all need to respond to the call for ‘all hands on deck’ as it pertains to our youth and young single adults. We must all look for opportunities to bless the youth whether or not we are currently closely associated with them. We must continue to teach and fortify fathers and mothers in their divinely declared roles with their children in the home. We must ask ourselves constantly if that extra sporting event, that extra activity or errand outside of the home is more important than families being together at home.
“Now is the time, brethren, when in every action we take, in every place we go, with every Latter-day Saint young person we meet, we need to have an increased awareness of the need for strengthening, nurturing, and being an influence for good in their lives.”
(Ronald A. Rasband, “Our Rising Generation,” Ensign, May 2006, 47)
This is such a great quote! Too often I find myself in my day to day life forgetting what is most important. It is just me going through the actions of each day. Get up, study, make breakfast, go to work, come home, eat dinner, put the kids to bed, veg. Rinse, repeat in the morning. But I read this and it puts it all back into perspective! The MOST important thing I am doing, day in and day out, is strengthening my releationship with my sweet wife, and strengthening the relationship wit EACH of my wonderful and amazing kids. The other things I am involved in are not nearly as important and I must remember that.
I love the line about constantly asking ourselves if “that extra sporting event, that extra activity or errand outside the home is more important than families being together at home.” It really puts it in perspective. On the other hand, just being at home together is not enough. We must be strengthening and building the kids up so that when they go out into this crazy world they will be safe from the evils and perils that beset them on every side till they can return both to our home here on earth, and our eternal home in heaven. What a great privilege the Lord has given us. I will answer the call.
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