Tonight my family had the pleasure of meeting Don Clarke and his wife Maryann. As well as the Ogden, UT Mission President and his wife. (Sister and Elder Hiers) Below is a picture of Dale, Connie, their 4 boys and Don and Maryann Clarke.
There is a reason why this was a "picture worthy" moment. Don Clarke used to be Grandpa Joys home teacher. (Ira Dale Sr) At this time, Grandpa was a member of the church but was inactive. There was drinking, smoking and no church attending. This didn't keep Don from visiting anyways. He didn't look at the imperfections of the family, rather the good in them. He saw them for who they were. He visited them because he wanted to and he was assigned to them. He didn't avoid visiting because they weren't active and it might "be awkward." Grandpa and Grandma Joy were living in Mitchel, Nebraska and Don was living in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. This meant that Don had to travel about 30 minutes to and from the Joy house. He still went monthly. He was then made Young Men President in their ward and invited Brian and Dale to the activities. Soon after the whole family started attending church. Because of this one man, Grandpa and Grandma became active members of the church again. This meant their 4 children also returned to the church. There are now 12 grandkids that are members of the church. There are also 16 great grandchildren that have been born into active homes and some who are even members already. (If I can count correctly) This one man is responsible for this many active members simply by obeying his call to go home teaching. He easily could have put it off or made a million excuses. He could have stopped trying after Brian and Dale showed up to the first activity with beer. He could have chosen to try for a while and then give up when his efforts made no difference. Instead he kept with it. He befriended them and that is what was needed. Don is now a member of the Quorum of the Seventy for the church. He is a very busy man, but called and asked if he could meet with the family for a short time today. David had to put off a school presentation, but we were able to make it down. It was amazing to see the love and compassion in his eyes. It was so nice to meet him and his sweet wife and hear stories about their family. It was incredible to hear that he has told many different people all over the world about "The Joys." He then explained that on Thursday he would be meeting with President Monson and he was so excited to tell him that he got to meet with us. Then, as he choked back tears he told us that President Monson would want him to tell us that he loves us very much. I know it is true, I hear it in many talks, I hear him say it himself during conference talks but this was different. Hearing someone tell you very sincerely that the Prophet of our church loves you is just special. It really captured the sincerity of the Prophets love. He truly loves us all and cares deeply for us. It was a great night and both girls responded the same to the question I ask every night. I ask "What was your favorite part of the day?" they both responded with "Getting to meet that new guy." It was a great evening and I am so glad my girls were both present and might even be old enough to remember as they grow. I am forever grateful for Don and his love for the Joy family. I am grateful for the church and the many good people that are members. I am also inspired to look at the good in others and ignore the imperfections. It will be hard, but after seeing what a huge impact it can have....I HAVE to try.
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