Years ago, one of my siblings had an extended stay with another family. Their comment many years later, was thought provoking for me. My sibling told how this host family came home from church each week and criticized or laughed about almost everyone in the ward. It was just hard for me to comprehend. I realized then what a gift I had been given by my parents. There was never anything negative ever said in my home. I loved everyone in my ward and thought they were all perfect and wonderful people. Now that I'm older I realize that surely there had to be personality conflicts and differences or frustrations, but whatever they were, my parents kept that to themselves and only said positive things. I hope that I might give my children the same gift. I do notice in my own life that it is my spirit that is damaged when I am critical of others. What I think or say about others does not necessarily harm them, but harms me. It is a true gift my parents gave to me. I am not perfect, but I have a wonderful pattern to follow. All commandments come with blessings. What a blessing it is to 'Nay Speak No Ill.'
My family
My family, minus Cache :(
President Thomas S. Monson
My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.
Richard G. Scott
Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want. This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you. That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be. That path leads to glorious joy and happiness.