EDITORIAL: An Easter message to live by

Several years ago in this space, The Press shared with readers an Easter message that still resonates today — and every day.

It was written by a well-known community member to close friends and family. When we asked permission to publish it and acknowledge the author, he OK’d the former but not the latter.

Publish it anonymously if you wish, he suggested, but without his name, because doing so might put the focus on him rather than on what he was trying to communicate.

So in the spirit of this day of rebirth and renewal, we share that message with you and hope you find it as meaningful and motivational as we do.

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I have been blessed throughout my life to be able to serve my family and community in many areas of this marvelous country.

Over the past months, and particularly over the past weeks, instead of goodness, I have felt such a dire feeling of bitterness and ungratefulness in our land. In many areas, it appears that conflict is being chosen over respect. Instead of building relationships, we are finding fault. Instead of taking responsibility for our own actions, we are blaming others for our misery and pain.

I do not have the power to direct others in how they should act and live, but I resolve today to be a better man and a better neighbor. I have the power to choose how I will act. We all are born with a conscience that allows us to know, deep down, the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. What a great feeling we get when we serve each other, whether it is in helping our neighbors to clear snow off of their driveway and sidewalks or to simply make cookies and anonymously bring them to their door.

I have a responsibility to act kindly and respectfully to everyone that I meet. I have been put on this Earth to convey goodness and light. I have firm beliefs which have guided my life, and I have a responsibility to follow the Savior's example.

I believe that all of us on the Earth are children of a Divine Heavenly Father. I must treat them ALL with respect.

I must choose virtue over vice. I can disagree with others over politics, lifestyle choices, etc., but I must do a better job of loving… genuinely. I make so many mistakes in all aspects of my life, but I want to promise you that I will strive to be better. I need to be good; not perfect, but good.

Many of you know firsthand of my faults. I apologize for my actions, and I vow to try to be better.

Why am I writing this? Because I believe sincerely that each of us has a capacity for goodness and kindness. I will strive to eliminate ridicule and disrespect. My hope is that together, we each can do the same … one day and one action at a time.