J. Brad Roberts

77 - 79

I currently live in San Tan Valley, Arizona, with my eternal companion of 38 years, Brenda. She has shown me what patience really means. We have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. The grandchildren call me, "Lito".

As I think back on the mission I remember most the love and patience everyone gave me. I learned that a willingness to serve and be obedient was only a good start. I was awakened to the power of also being educated on how The Lord does his work. I especially appreciated the Sisters as they seem to be able to see through all the unpolished behaviors of the Elders and see the goodness inside. 

The mission was a good start for me to get smart on the Gospel and to understand that with every new calling the first step is to go to the Church handbook and learn. Then develop a plan and take that plan to Heavenly Father. 

I have spent a lot of time traveling and in crowds of people, most of them in unfamiliar surroundings. All of us in each other's way. And I imagine that one day I'll meet up with my pioneering ancestors and I'll explain how the trip from St. Louis to Phoenix took up the better part of a day. That I got assigned in a middle seat, with large people on both sides of me. And a crying baby nearby. And they didn't have the meal or drink that I preferred. Yeah, I can hear them now..... Traveling is a great place to practice the art of showing love and patience to perfect strangers. Especially those strangers on the road that drive in ways we don't like.

More than anything else,  I recognize that everyone on this earth is growing at a different pace and is standing in a different place on the path to salvation. And that God, being the perfect teacher provides each "student" a personalized "homework assignment". Granted, many of our trials are self-inflicted, but some are assigned for our growth. With either, the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and that God is watching over all of us; that knowledge brings peace in all situations. And with that peace comes the strength to show love and patience to others. Because of God, life is good.

J. Brad Roberts Curt Whittaker