The Collective Obi Wan Kenobi's of My Life

Bear with me while I use a Star Wars reference.  It will be cheesy; you were forewarned.  I will, of course, be playing Luke Skywalker in this little analogy.

Luke was guided and molded by a man who possessed more knowledge, experience, and wisdom than he had yet acquired in his short lifetime.  This man was Obi Wan Kenobi.  We all have things/people that influence us.  I like to call mine by the great Jedi master who can be seen in that epic saga which I was forced to watch whenever my brothers or dad or grandpa got to choose the movie. 

I have been thinking about the people and things in my life lately and the impact that they have had on me.  More specifically, how they have influenced my thought processes, choices, and personality.  Whether it be about random world views or specific gospel principles, the humor I have come to enjoy or even the styles I envision in my own future home someday, I have quite a few "Obi Wan Kenobi's" that have either guided or molded me into the human being that I am today.

I have appreciated living outside the US of A, giving me the opportunity to see the world from a different view.  I have said before that I learned more about my country and the freedoms/conveniences which I enjoy by leaving America than I ever did while living in its various corners.

I have appreciated that from a young age I was encouraged to read, not only the required books for school, but books that would shape and enlighten me (as well as Harry Potter.  I mean, come one, who doesn't feel like their imagination is enhanced by reading that series?).

I appreciate the privilege to associate with people who have better minds, capabilities, and talents than I.  I have been blessed to have my thoughts and habits opened up to new ways of seeing and feeling the world. 

The Obi Wan I appreciate most is the gospel.  To hone in, I appreciate the people that I have seen live the gospel and who have helped me to see the blessings that are in store for those who are obedient.  I am reading President Hinckley's biography and I can tell you that it never ceases to amaze me what that man accomplished in his lifetime by just putting his shoulder to the wheel, day after day, and putting his faith in God.  He is not the only person to show me that faith brings miracles.  I am grateful for the family, friends and church leaders who have helped me along in this crazy little thing called life. 

Ladies and Gentleman (yes, to that one guy out there reading this), I am not finished.  And I am grateful for that.  I have been molded and influenced through a myriad of experiences and obstacles in life, only to look forward and see that there is an endless world of thought, action, and life still out there, waiting for me.

Lead on all you Obi Wans in my life, lead on.  Just please don't let all those Darth Vaders out there kill you off.  Life is a choice :)