Written to a grandson (here modified):
So. . . as you open this you are in the place where ‘it all started,’* the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You are at a time in your life when you will be making important choices and decisions. . . that will affect you for the life you build in the years ahead.
It is a wonderful thing that you will soon be an Eagle Scout. It is important that you stay on track with such good, strong, character building opportunities and skills. When I was your age as a non-member, and for whatever reason, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn and grow in the areas that you now fine easier with the practice Scouting requires. As a result I often took the course of least resistance, which is typically undisciplined or even a bad direction. The older you are before you make choices towards good strong discipline in any area of your life, the harder it is to change, or even to start to change. It’s like moving a mountain. . . of past mistakes.
So, ‘stay the course,’ a course that will bring greater peace and fulfillment. Through the additional example of your closer association with Jesus Christ, He will give you confidence as you move forward with conviction and real purpose. . . and this without the ‘baggage’ of past undisciplined actions/patterns and their results.
We, Grandma and I love you. The Lord loves you. We want what is best for you long term. A ‘school of many years’ has taught us that the best direction for what lies ahead in life for anyone is Jesus Christ, His gospel, and institutions that teach & uphold equally strong values. k
*The Sacred Grove, Palmyra, New York
