Ethan's Talk in Sacrament Meeting

Good morning. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ethan Garner and I was asked to talk about fathers.

I read a talk written by Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from the 2009 General Conference titled “Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship”. He said that fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be. Elder Ballard also gave a couple of tips for you and your father’s relationships.

First, for young men and young women, trust your father. He loves you and would never do something that he thinks wouldn’t help you.

Second, take interest in your father’s life. Ask him about his job, stories about his childhood, what he was like when he was younger, and so on.

And third, ask your father for advice. He’ll probably give you his advice no matter what so you might as well ask.

Elder Ballard also had tips for the fathers.

First, listen to your [children]. It will make it easier to connect with them.

Second, pray with and pray for your sons or daughters. It will draw you toward each other as well as towards the Lord.

And, third, talk with your sons or daughters. This is the best way to connect with each other.

I’ve had a lot of experiences with my dad from walking in war-torn Kuwait to eating samples at Costco and all those times has built a strong foundation on our father-son relationship.