My Childhood Cornerstones

I've been thinking a lot recently about the events/lessons of my life that have shaped the way I live, laugh, and love today.

One of the defining principles I learned in my 18 years of living flashes back to age 5. I have been fortunate enough to have a wondrous priesthood holder as a Father who has, in an extremely numerous amount of ways, taught me about life through Christ-like eyes. Ever since I was very little, my dad was an example to me. The defining principle I speak of is my Father's selflessness in serving others. He taught me and my siblings how to serve others (such as raking their leaves, shoveling their walks, mowing their lawn, etc..) and even leave anonymously. Which, as a young boy, I learned to love doing. I'll admit that it wasn't always the first thing on my checklist but it quickly became that way after watching my Dad serve until he couldn't stand. I loved serving side-by-side with him and my favorite part was imagining the look on our neighbors faces. A good look. And that's the reward. Sometimes in this world, Earthly rewards look pleasing and practical. But in the end, the Eternal reward is not only pleasing and practical, but precious. More precious than words. Than money. Than fame. It's paradise. (See Matthew 6:1-4)

Another defining moment in my life came with a scare. My Grandpa, Don Moore (also a tremendous example of a diligent priesthood holder) has always been my "four-wheeling buddy" and we have explored countless mountain sights together. One day he let me drive his side-by-side "Can-am" for the first time after I had just obtained a license to do so legally. Well, after about an hour of driving, I made the mistake of pulling off the path (to let some dirt bikes pass) into a 6 foot ditch. It was seemingly undetectable with sage brush and broken branches hiding it. After [somehow safely] tipping the vehicle completely on its side, finding a way to get us both out unharmed, and receiving help to get it back on four wheels, I turned to my highly esteemed Grandfather and said, "Well I guess you're driving now." To which he smiled and replied: "If you fall off the horse you get right back on." -That day I drove the rest of the trip with shaky arms and sweaty palms but I had a seed planted in my heart. Which has now grown into a priceless knowledge I would never trade: "Never give up. Never quit. Get right back on."

The last event that I want to highlight comes from a night spent with my Grandpa Jeddy L. Dunford. It's hard to prove the everlasting impact this angel of a man had on me without living the life I did around him. One day, I went to him to pass off a woodworking merit badge for the Boy Scouts of America because not only did his talent come from his smile and his heart, but his hands. I remember clearly that night watching intently all the things he showed me. The first of which was how to sharpen the tools to be used on a grinding stone. (A spinning piece of hardened material) Fear quickly swallowed up my outward pride as I watched sparks fly every which direction and repeatedly strike my Grandfather's much-used hands. After the demonstration, he handed me the tool and said: "Your turn." I uncomfortably told him of my fear of being burned that kept me from proceeding and told him I was too scared to do it. In fact, I think I was pondering another merit badge to pass off so I could avoid this one. He smiled that familiar universal Grandpa smile and secondly demonstrated how the sparks didn't hurt him. Then he did something that not only sparked literally, but in me spiritually. He asked me if I trusted him. I reluctantly but obviously told him that I did and he asked for my hand. I was ready to drop the whole thing but his kind eyes welcomed me into the lesson I was about to learn. When I gave him my hand, he gently put it under the sparks and I felt nothing. He was right. He taught me something irreplaceable and priceless that night. "Fear is what you make it." (See Matthew 14: 22-32 and Deuteronomy 20:1)

The most recent impression that has surfaced in my heart is these three principles in one simple statement: Have courage, never quit, and set your sights on the Eternal Reward.

I promise that if you accomplish this as periodically as self-proven possible, you will find peace. You will watch firsthand success unfold at your feet. And I speak of Eternal success and Eternal peace. Which unceasingly trumps any lack-luster earthy reward. And if you couldn't already tell, these principles are aimed dead center on the Kingdom of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of enduring, having courage, and paving the Eternal path to paradise.

I know this. I've lived and not lived this. But in the retrospective history of my efforts, living it is the only way to experience joy and learn from pain. Never forget that in your own life. Or what really should be said, the life your Father in Heaven (the perfect example and origin of priesthood glory) gave you. He loves me. He loves you. And it's a familiar, universal, [and might I add] unending love. Find Him and then never let Him go.

-Cale Kenneth Montoya (11-19-21)