Small and Simple things...

Sometimes you have an experience in life that totally changes you. I have been pretty fortunate to have a recurring string of events like that. Good friends are truly something special and I am thankful for my friends Cole and Natalie. In February it will be 15 years ago that Cole accepted an invitation to go to a dance at the institute. And that was the start of the string of sprititual events that I am talking about.

Everyone seems to think that the person you introduce the gospel to changes and becomes better... in a way that is true. Actually what happens is the person who introduces the gospel has just as great a change in their life. Cole was already a great person, he didn't need me to bring him the gospel to validate that. He was already the nicest guy around, and really had the qualities of a great person long before he was a member of the church. He can attribute that to his great parents and their willingness to teach him the principles of being a good person from a young age. So my friend Cole who really had no idea that he was teaching me, quietly taught me ALL of the principles and ordinances of the gospel. My life was the one that changed because he taught me and still teaches me HOW it all works.

Every step of the way to Christ I have been there with Cole and he is such a strong example to me, leading me and teaching me of Christ and His importance in my life. Thank you Cole. God sure knew what he was doing when he lead you to the gospel. It was a 2 for 1 deal, Cole's life and mine, and that has impacted many lives since, making it one of the best choices of my life. I cannot take credit for any of it. I can only express my gratitude to God and Cole for taking my hand and leading me on a spiritual journey that will be even greater I suspect once this mortal life is complete.

You never know when it will happen to you. I know that. Thank you Cole and Natalie for the tribute in your son. He will know all the principles that will bring him happiness by looking at Cole for his example.