Here's something to think about....

Daryl loved to learn!
 I know that was one of the reasons he enjoyed traveling so much. He was inspired to learn more about the history, surroundings and culture of the people wherever we would go. He would read every plaque or monument we would walk by. He loved to go to museums and he was fascinated by the architecture.

  He also loved to teach.

 So many times after he had studied something he would say to us.. "Here's something to think about" Then... he would impart his wisdom on that subject which lead to a great discussion. I miss those discussions that lasted for hours but felt like minutes.

At church we had been asked to be the family home evening coordinators at the 13th branch, a care center in our neighborhood. We would meet with the residents every Tuesday night, previously assigning others to come in to present some type of lesson or activity for them. This is part of an email Daryl wrote to three other couples we were serving with sharing some ideas he had. He really wanted to make a difference there.


First, I am so grateful for the lesson Carlisle gave.  Great insights on level of comprehension. 

When we give speaking/teaching assignments I think we should not tell them limitations.  I think the amount of time is a natural delimiter; lets have them prepare through the normal process of study, meditation and prayer.  Never personally liked to be told to "dumb" it down.

Just some thoughts about our assignments as a whole:

1.  What initiatives should we take to bless the lives of the caretakers of the branch? 

2.  We should treat them as we would younger family members that need help reminding them to not throw trash on the floor, not make noise when they know better, respect for each other's space.  What would we do if they were our children, love and teach, right? 

3.  Do we have a list of their talents and interests? 

4. Do we have a dossier with picture on each person to help ourselves and the transfer to the next set of leaders?   Obviously with the singular intent of blessing their lives.

Daryl spent a lot of time in thought, deep thought.I miss his wisdom and insight. He taught me that there is a solution to every problem. That our children become our peers quickly. It's important to take time for yourself so you can be better for others. Choose your words carefully when responding and ... Listen!! I have read that we grieve because we love. Preventing the grief would have meant preventing the love. The greatest lesson Daryl helped me learn was how to love unconditionally.