My New Boss

I recently got a new boss at work. He lives in Kansas City and he comes down to ride with me every 8 weeks or so. However, we do chat a couple of times a week. He spent a couple of days with me recently and I am beginning to feel my age. I realize that many of you reading this have undergone this coming-of-age phenomena, so please bear with me. He is younger than me! I have always been the leader who was young, but now I am the old guy with the young boss. I handled it pretty well, I must say, and went into our couple of days with an open mind. Not only is he younger, but been in the industry 3 years less than me. He's pretty cool though.

Trevor is married and has 4 kids: 7, 5, 3, and 1. Not much unlike Laura and I, with ours being 5, 3, 2 and one in 7 weeks. We both enjoy sports and politics immensely. Trevor also feels very strongly about his faith, another trait we share. He grew up in Salt Lake City and is a devout member of the Mormon church. Trevor took two years to embark on his mission in Germany. He completed his missionary training and is very fluid and knowledgable in religious discussion.

I really like Trevor because we engaged in several deep faith discussions. Neither one attempted to "convert" the other, but we had a thought-provoking and interesting discourse. O our second day we had a 3 1/2 hour lunch, and I didn't do all the talking!!!

Now this posting isn't about differences in our beliefs. This posting is about what has been reinforced in me through our short time together so far. After embarassing myself mightily in high school to a friend of mine whom I did not know was Mormon, I decided I would not open my mouth foolishly about another religion without completing some intelligent research and reading. That being said, I have read an awful lot about LDS and the Mormon faith. Consequently, I have had several good friends in college and in the Army who adhered to those beliefs.

What I have learned over time and reinforced with every adherent Mormon is that we as Protestant Christians could learn some things from them. We may differ theologically, but their approach to faith and religion is solid. The temple is regarded as sacred and they treat it as such everytime they enter it. Study of the Bible and the Book of Mormon is the foundation for growth. If we would set aside the time daily and weekly that Mormons do, we would have a greater understanding of God and His love and grace.

Family also plays such a central role in their church. Not only do they worship together, but they pray and study together. Most take time on Monday evenings to study scriptures with their families. They pray and grow together. For many that is a non-negotiable part of their week. Wow! Can we make that same commitment?

Mormons also value the little deeds. They realize that people are watching them, as is God, and that every action and word, can make a huge impact later on. I believe that we understand that, but is it ingrained in our every action and word? The Mormon faith stipulates that actions and works earn your positions and levels in heaven. We believe that our faith and trust in Christ Jesus secures our place with Him. However, He does call on us to follow His example in our daily lives.

Trevor and I talked about the sameness and differences in our beliefs those days, and I am confident we will engage insome more discussions over time. I am strong in my faith system, but believe that we could all look outward to grow inward.

Please share your thoughts.