The Best Teacher I Ever Had...

A few months ago, I was called as a teacher in the Relief Society at church. I wish I could call Dad and ask his advice in most of my lessons that I've taught, but I know he is proud of me for my efforts and for what I'm learning in this calling. Coincidentally, Grandma McBride has the exact same calling in her ward.

I taught the lesson today. The topic was on teaching. I read the lesson through for the first time and thought about what a hard topic this would be. It was a great topic to teach to teachers, but not to teach to the "students" of Relief Society. But after some thoughtful prayer, I realized that everyone is in some way a teacher. You teach your children, your neighbors, your co-workers - just by the example you set. You can even teach your parents, siblings, and friends. So, once I realized that we are all teachers, the lesson became so much easier to work with.

During the lesson, I felt prompted to tell of a memory I have of Dad, even though it wasn't in my lesson outline.

I remember on our "Best Vacation Ever" trip to Tombstone, AZ, we were stopped at a small gas station on the outskirts of Lake Havasu City. We saw a woman in raggy clothing searching through the garbage for cans. Dad gathered up some canned goods for her and without hesitation, gave her a few dollars. I've always remembered that. The part of the story that I don't like to share though, is that I had a few dollars in my pocket too. I thought about handing that to my dad to give to the woman. But I hesitated. I wanted to spend my money on myself. I've always remembered that hesitation and the sorrow that I felt for being so unwilling to give. I will never forget that feeling and I try so hard now to share my good fortune with others as they need.

I'm so thankful for the example Dad set for me. I'm proud to be his daughter and I'm happy to do my best to be an example for my children. I hope that one day, they too can have enough charity and compassion to act on their promptings.

I'm so thankful for my family and extended family and how we teach and learn from each other.