To New York and Back

I recently visited New York for five days, for our annual Memorial Day campout. Friends that haven’t seen each other for a year or more, come together, catch up on life and reminisce for hours. While there, I was able to see people that I consider to be some of my best friends. Additionally, I got to know some people I attended high school with. We had a fantastic time.
I was able to visit one of my favorite restaurants of all times. It’s called, “Reid’s” and it’s by far the place to go to get unbelievable burgers, fries and milkshakes. Not to mention the fact that it is as cheap as heck. The entire week was filled with good food, camping and friends. It couldn’t have gone any better.
Throughout my time in New York, I couldn’t help but think of my wife and kids…the entire time. Each time we went someplace new, I found myself thinking, “My wife and kids would love this.” It’s amazing how we change as we progress through this life. As I compare and contrast the person I was when I lived in Buffalo, and the person I am today, a lot has changed. Presently, each and every day of my life is spent in the service of my wife and children…and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Once in a while I may stay up late with a neighbor playing video games, or head up to the mountains for a day of fun in the snow, but those times are few and far between. And as I consider everything (past & present) I can genuinely say that I am much happier today, in the service of my family, than I ever was, living for myself. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
One of the things that I have gleaned from life thus far is that joy and pleasure are quite different, and that there are very few things that bring us true joy and long lasting happiness. For me, it is only three things. They are; God, family, and truly hard work. I’m referring to extremely exhausting, physical & mental exertion. What is intriguing to me is how these three things seem to be inseparable. Consider the following.
God tells us to, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy might…” We are also told to love thy neighbor as thyself. Throughout the scriptures, we read that the word “love” is considered an action word. So, to “love someone in an active manner can only mean one thing. We are to love others by way of service. Service, for the most part, is a truly exhausting thing, that is rarely convenient in its timing and, at all times requires sacrifice of one kind or another. Thus, to help others is a sign of our dedication to the Lord and his teachings. And so, I find that, the harder I work at something and strive towards completion of whatever it is, the happier I become. There is definitely a direct correlation between the two.
I had such a great time there in New York and consider myself truly blessed to have such great friends who love unconditionally. I am so grateful that they have the desire to keep in touch as I do. I look forward to next year, when we can get together once again and exchange stories of the years past.