In the line...

Every minute someone leaves this world behind.
We are all in “the line” without knowing it.
We never know how many people are before us.
We can not move to the back of the line.
We can not step out of the line.
We can not avoid the line.
So while we wait in line -
Make moments count.
Make priorities.
Make the time.
Make your gifts known.
Make a nobody feel like a somebody.
Make your voice heard.
Make the small things big.
Make someone smile.
Make the change.
Make up.
Make peace.
Make sure to tell your people they are loved.
Make sure to have no regrets.
Make sure you are ready.

I've seen this message posted on social media several times. It reminds me of all those who where waiting in line, and then their turn came. When my Mom was so sick, I would tell her "it's okay if you want to go." She replied one time, "But I don't want to cut in line." It's true about life, we can't cut in line, we can't move to the back of the line, step out of the line, or avoid the line. "To every thing there is a a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die;..." Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Dad was waiting in that line, and twenty-nine years ago today at about 5:00 in the evening, his turn came. I was holding his hand. Twenty-nine years, he told me a few times after he found out the melanoma had metastasized, that he wished God would give him a few more years. He had finally met the love of his life, sweet Alice. They were only married for about two years and were so happy. They had dreams of traveling around the United States in Dad's camper. When he passed at the age of 66, did it shake my faith? You better believe it did. I still feel that deep heartbreak often, I miss him.

Dad really was one of kind. He worked so hard to provide for us. He loved his Mom so much. He made sure after Grandpa died that the ranch that they had since 1910, did not go into disrepair. He gave all the benefit of the doubt. He was a true disciple and would always be the first to roll up his sleeves and help out. He had great faith and an unshakable testimony of the gospel. He was handsome and witty. I remember his strong hands, that were always banged up from laying brick and stone, and from doing chores at our ranch and his parents ranch. 

"Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. Eternal perspective provides peace “which passeth all understanding.” (Philippines 4:7.)

We who tarry here have a few precious moments remaining “to prepare to meet God.” (Alma 34:32.) Unfinished business is our worst business. Perpetual procrastination must yield to perceptive preparation. Today we have a little more time to bless others—time to be kinder, more compassionate, quicker to thank and slower to scold, more generous in sharing, more gracious in caring.

Then when our turn in the line comes, we can say as did Paul: “The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6–7.)

Dad... Ivan Lester Federer, did indeed fight the good fight, and I believe we can see him again. I look forward to a joyful reunion. 

As I wait in line, I am committed to make the moments count, to make the change, to keep trying not to have regrets, and to make sure my people know I love them with all my heart, ALL my heart.