That is why I do what I do.

Of course a father has to provide for his family. That’s a given. But I think that all too often people settle for less than they deserve, not in terms of money, but in terms of happiness. People ought to have a job that they love. Period. Yes, economic conditions may make that difficult, and a lack of education may be a temporary obstacle, but there’s no real reason why we should let any of that stop us. Life is too short to be stuck doing something you hate.

The fisherman lived in a fishing village, and I dare say that the economy of living was different and that would suffice there. The reality is, everything costs more here. It takes money to buy a home and maintain it. It cost money to have babies, to feed them, to cloth them, to insure them. We have been asked to tithe, to give generously of our time and substance, to save, and more.

I am not talking about selling your soul for the almighty dollar, but the importance of preparation, working wisely, and understanding
the real costs of family.

I grew up in Hawaii. I dated a guy when I was in my youth. We spoke of marriage. The downside? He wanted to do leather work, and honest occupation. He had no drive. No foresight into the costs of raising a family. He was a boy, playing at life. He was not a man, ready for adult responsibility. He would have been happy to live in the fishing village of Laie, where he grew up, and if we could not meet bills, I could go to work. No thanks. I told him to straighten up and fly right or get out of my life. We had dated for 1 1/2 years! It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, and the wisest. He walked out of my life. At the time, it hurt. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Today I am active have a wonderful marriage of 30 years and a faithful posterity. He is not active. He has struggled most of his life. That is real stress. No life is not about money, however, try to live in America, as a righteous priesthood holder, raising a large family, providing for your wife to stay home and teach your children, without it. Even the prophet has been counseling the youth to prepare and get all the education you can get, so you can be useful to society and they will pay you what you are worth.

Amy: Good. :)