When we’d been married two or three years, I remember hearing an Earl Nightingale radio broadcast where he suggested that we think of someone we wanted to be like and then study that person to become like him or her. That was the first time I’d considered how much I admired my husband’s sister Nancy. From then on, I watched her and listened to her and was never disappointed in what I saw.
I was enthralled by her good deeds and skills. Nancy was the epitome of the Christian woman I wanted to be: poised, attractive, an outstanding cook, a great hostess, a sweet wife, a loving mother (well, at that time I had no desire to be any sort of mother, but I admired her parenting), a visitor to the sick and elderly—I could go on and on. To this day, she hasn’t changed. She still makes me feel a bit inadequate, but I love her so much I don’t mind.
Last week Steve and I were talking about our experiences living in Kansas the second year we were married. We were befriended by a middle-aged couple, Jud and Earleen, whose children were married and lived away. We’d met them a double way: we went to church together and Jud was our mailman. Earleen also became, on the rare occasions that I needed one, my hairdresser.
They took us to their bosoms without hesitation—spontaneous invitations to lunch or dinner, taking us along when they went to Chicken Annie’s to eat, stopping by after work to deliver a letter Jud knew we’d been waiting for. A very special memory was watching the FIRST Super Bowl after eating Sunday dinner together.
I said to Steve, “I want to be Jud and Earleen to young couples here!” I’d never thought of it that way, but it seems a worthy goal.
“I’d like to think we are,” Steve answered.
I hope he’s right—but I know we aren’t to the degree that Jud and Earleen were. People are so much busier now, and communication with families far away is much easier than it was then. Homesickness probably doesn’t strike as hard as it did in 1967, when long distance calls were expensive, interstates were just being built, and flights were rare.
Jud and Earleen were angels for us, 21 years old and 14 hours from home. I want to be them to young couples today. I want the Spirit’s guidance to know what couples need that from us.
As I think this over, I find that over the years many people have prompted me to want to be like them. I’ll do more posts about the people I want to be–sometime in this life.
Meanwhile, who do you want to be?
Drue Wright
Lanita, we were not one of those “young couples” when we first began attending Central, but I well remember your having us in your home soon after we came. It was a most enjoyable time and one we’ll never forget.
We used to have people in our home for dinner every Sunday. It is beginning to be a lost art as now most people go out to eat. There is no better way to really get to know people than having them in your home and going to theirs.
Lanita Boyd
I think that’s what we all love about Life Groups. We get together in each other’s homes each Sunday for food and fellowship and the bonding is amazing. We never want to change groups at the end of the year, but we’ve learned that we soon love our new group just as much!
I also know that you and Doyle have hosted and mentored many singles, couples, and families over the years. You are both incredible role models!
Gail
I also remember as a young married couple, Jack and I had the privilege of having dinner in your home. I learned some great recipes from you that I still use today. I also admired you both as parents. I believe Josh was close to three years old then. It is amazing the impact that you have by the way you live your life inspires others to desire to imitate that kind of example. I am greatful for Nancy, Jud, and Earleen inspiring you to be an inspiration to us! I guess that’s a great way of passing God’s love around!
Lanita Boyd
Thanks, Gail. I think Jonathan must now be about the age you were then. He is obviously a fine young man, so you are passing along good things yourselves.
Gina Boyd
I ceratinly didn’t grow up in a home where my mom entertained a lot, so you’ve been my role model!
Lanita Boyd
My husband’s dear sister Nancy wrote:
I had so many good role models growing
up that I have always striven to be a good example with the help of my Heavenly Father.
I strongly feel that if I can do nothing else in this life I want to be a help to those I leave
behind. The scriptures truly teach that older women should be an example to younger women. I love to teach the ladies class because of this.