Reflecting on the journey of life, a profound sense of gratitude washes over me as I consider the myriad experiences that have shaped my path. Expressing thankfulness to my Heavenly Father for these abundant blessings and opportunities has brought a heightened awareness of the pivotal role my formative years played.
The most transformative and significant moments of my life unfolded during my youth. The Lessons Learned For Life during those crucial years molded my character and charted my destiny. Without these invaluable experiences, I would undoubtedly be a different person, standing in a vastly different place than where I am today. This exploration will delve into some of these defining experiences and the enduring wisdom they imparted.
One vivid memory etched in my mind is a high school football game against our fiercest rival. As a wingback, my role was dual: either block the opposing linebacker or create an opening to receive a pass from the quarterback. This particular game is unforgettable because of the colossal figure lining up opposite me – the linebacker I was assigned to block was truly a giant of a man.
Being far from the tallest athlete myself, I was genuinely taken aback by his size. He seemed to tower over me, likely outweighing me by a significant margin. It’s worth remembering that in those days, protective gear was rudimentary compared to today’s standards. My helmet was crafted from leather and lacked a faceguard.
The more I contemplated the situation, a sobering thought dawned on me: if this behemoth ever caught me, my season could very well end prematurely, spent cheering from a hospital bed.
Fortunately, speed was my ally. For the majority of the first half, I successfully evaded him.
Except for one critical play.
Our quarterback retreated to pass. I found open space. The ball spiraled towards me.
However, the distinct sound of heavy, rapid footsteps pounded behind me. In a flash of clarity, the thought raced through my mind that catching this ball might mean exchanging football for a feeding tube. Yet, the ball was on its trajectory, and my team was counting on me. Instinctively, I reached out, and—at the last possible instant—glanced upwards.
There he was.
I recall the ball meeting my hands. The struggle to maintain possession. The dull thud of the ball hitting the ground. The immediate aftermath is hazy, as the giant’s impact was so forceful, I was momentarily disoriented. A deep voice, emerging from a dark cloud, penetrated my confusion: “Serves you right for being on the wrong team.”
William McKinley Oswald, our high school football coach, was the source of this colorful commentary. A remarkable coach, he exerted a profound influence on my life. Though, his motivational techniques could arguably have been borrowed from a military drill sergeant.
During the halftime break that day, Coach Oswald addressed the entire team, focusing on the dropped pass. Then, pointing directly at me, he boomed, “How could you do that?”
His voice was far from subdued.
“I want to know what made you drop that pass.”
I hesitated, then resolved to be truthful. “I took my eye off the ball,” I admitted.
The coach fixed me with a stare and retorted, “That’s right; you took your eye off the ball. Don’t ever do that again. That kind of mistake loses ball games.”
Despite the sting of his words, I held Coach Oswald in high regard. Determined to heed his instruction, I vowed to never again lose focus, even if it meant facing the linebacker’s bone-jarring hits.
Returning to the field for the second half, the game remained tight. Despite a strong team effort, we trailed by four points as the fourth quarter dwindled.
On the ensuing play, the quarterback called my number. I ran my route, and again, found myself open. The ball hurtled towards me. This time, however, the giant was positioned directly in front of me, poised to intercept.
He leaped, but the ball sailed just beyond his reach. I jumped high, my gaze unwavering from the ball, snared it, and secured the game-winning touchdown.
The ensuing celebration is a blur, but the expression on Coach Oswald’s face remains vividly clear.
“Way to keep your eye on the ball,” he commended.
I believe I smiled for the next week straight.
Throughout my life, I have been privileged to know many exceptional individuals. Despite their diverse backgrounds, talents, and viewpoints, they share a common trait: unwavering diligence and persistence in pursuing their goals. It is remarkably easy to become sidetracked and lose sight of life’s true priorities. I have strived to internalize the lessons learned for life from Coach Oswald, prioritizing my core values to maintain focus on what truly matters.
I encourage you to introspectively examine your own life. Assess your current position and the necessary steps to become the person you aspire to be. Formulate inspiring, noble, and righteous goals that ignite your imagination and passion. Then, fix your gaze upon them. Work steadfastly towards their realization.
“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams,” wrote Henry David Thoreau, “and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
In essence: never take your eye off the ball. This is a crucial lesson learned for life.
Another profound lesson learned for life on the football field emerged from the bottom of a pile of ten players. It was the Rocky Mountain Conference championship, and the play called for me to carry the ball up the middle for the potential go-ahead touchdown. I took the handoff and plunged into the defensive line. I knew I was close to the goal line, but unsure of the exact proximity. Pinned beneath the weight of the pile, I extended my fingers forward a few inches and felt it. The goal line was a mere two inches away.
In that instant, temptation surged. I could easily push the ball forward. No one would witness it. When the referees finally disentangled the pile, I would be lauded as the hero.
This was the moment I had envisioned since childhood. Victory was within my grasp. But then, my mother’s words echoed in my mind. “Joseph,” she often advised, “do what is right, no matter the consequence. Do what is right and things will turn out OK.” This became another vital lesson learned for life.
The desire to score that touchdown was intense. Yet, more than the fleeting praise of my peers, I craved the enduring admiration of my mother. Consequently, I left the ball untouched – those two inches short of the goal line.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, this was a defining moment. Had I moved the ball, momentary glory might have been achieved, but the price of such fleeting acclaim would have been far too steep and enduring. It would have etched a permanent scar upon my conscience. I knew I had to choose the path of integrity.
The Light of Christ illuminates the path of righteousness, enabling us to discern right from wrong. When we allow worldly temptations to overshadow the still, small voice of conscience, decisions become agonizingly difficult. This is another important lesson learned for life: listen to your conscience.
My parents instilled in me the principle of immediate and decisive action when faced with temptation – to instantly and emphatically say “No!”. I extend this same counsel to you. Steer clear of temptation. This proactive avoidance is a valuable lesson learned for life.
Another significant lesson learned for life has been the profound joy of serving others. I have previously shared how my father, as bishop of our ward, enlisted my help in loading my wagon with essential food and supplies for families in need. His compassion for those struggling was not unique.
Seventy-five years ago, Bishop William F. Perschon presided over the Fourth Ward of the Pioneer Stake in Salt Lake City. A German immigrant and convert to the Church, he spoke with a distinct accent. A successful businessman, his most defining characteristic was his deep empathy for others.
Each week during priesthood meeting, Bishop Perschon had the Aaronic Priesthood holders recite the mantra: “Priesthood means service; bearing the priesthood, I will serve.” This wasn’t just a hollow slogan; it was a guiding principle, a fundamental lesson learned for life he instilled.
When widows required assistance, Bishop Perschon and the Aaronic Priesthood were there to assist. When a chapel was under construction, Bishop Perschon and the Aaronic Priesthood were present. When the welfare farm’s sugar beets and potatoes needed weeding or harvesting, Bishop Perschon and the Aaronic Priesthood were readily available.
Later, William Perschon served in the stake presidency, influencing a young bishop named Thomas S. Monson. In the 1950s, Bishop Perschon was called to preside over the Swiss-Austrian Mission and played a crucial role in establishing the first temple “overseas,” located in Bern, Switzerland.
Bishop Perschon’s legacy is inextricably linked to his profound concern and compassion for others, and his unwavering dedication to instilling this same virtue in others. Of the young men in the Aaronic Priesthood under his leadership, 29 went on to become bishops themselves. Ten served in stake presidencies. Five became mission presidents, three accepted calls as temple presidents, and two served as General Authorities.
This exemplifies the power of a truly great leader, brethren. This demonstrates the transformative power of service. Service to others is a powerful lesson learned for life.
Though I didn’t fully grasp it at the time, these lessons learned for life – and countless others from my youth – served as the bedrock upon which my subsequent life has been built.
We are all endowed with spiritual gifts. Some are blessed with unwavering faith, others with the gift of healing. Within the body of the Church, the full spectrum of spiritual gifts is present. For me, perhaps the spiritual gift I am most grateful for is an obedient spirit. When I received wise counsel from my parents or Church leaders, I listened attentively and strived to integrate it into my thoughts and actions. Obedience to wise counsel is a valuable lesson learned for life.
Brethren of the priesthood, I urge you to cultivate the gift of an obedient spirit. The Savior taught, “whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man. … And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man.”
How do we discern wisdom from foolishness? When we receive inspired guidance, we obey. This is the true measure of wisdom. This is a crucial lesson learned for life.
What benefit do we derive from hearing wise counsel if we disregard the words? What value does experience hold if we fail to learn from it? What good are scriptures if we do not cherish their teachings and weave them into our lives?
President Gordon B. Hinckley promised that “[Heavenly Father] will shower down blessings upon those who walk in obedience to His commandments.”
I add my voice to his.
I bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of all mankind. I testify that God is intimately involved in our lives. He cares deeply for us, His children, and loves us unconditionally. Prophets, seers, and revelators guide the progression of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. President Gordon B. Hinckley stands as a latter-day prophet to the Church and to the world.
I express profound gratitude to my Creator for this remarkable life, where each of us is afforded the opportunity to glean lessons learned for life, insights unattainable through any other means.
My dear brethren, may we set righteous goals and strive to achieve them, consistently choose to do what is right, and extend love and compassion to those around us. This is my heartfelt prayer and unwavering testimony, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
