Joshy & Nashy - Supreme "Validators"

The only reason I can talk about these two little guys without them whuuping me is that they know I love 'em. Josh Merrell and Nash Allen have been great friends for lots of years. Nash seemed to grow up faster and I mean up. For a while we wondered if Josh was going to kick that 'growth' thing into gear. Although Nash is still a bit taller, they both are about 2 feet taller than the camp picture. Take a look at these two shots - one from scout camp a number of years ago and their Olympus High School Graduation earlier this month.

The great thing is this. Even though they have had different interests and have hung out with different crowds from time to time, they have stayed fast friends and have set an incredible example for all the other youth. That example is what I want to talk about.

I refer to the principle these two guys exemplify as the "Validator" principle. In any activity that we attend (whether adult or youth) there is an element of thought, whether sub-conscious or conscious that has us thinking, "Is this where I should be? Is this the best place for me right now? Am I missing something better somewhere else?" We look around and assess the rest of the participants, looking for the right people to have made the same decision that we made. Once we determine that the right people are there, we can relax and stay and enjoy. Our decision to attend is "Validated."

"Who are the 'Right' people" for us and "what do they support" will ultimately shape the decisions we make for what we support and where we go. I cannot stress more powerfully how important this is. Think about it. When we go to a ward activity, are the "right" leaders there? When we go to a meeting, is it validated by the attendance of the right other people such as the Bishop? At a business party, do the bosses actually show up and get involved?

As younger kids are making decisions to be active in YM/YW, they naturally look at the older kids as "Validators." If some activity is supported by the older kids that it must be good enough for the younger kids. This type of "Validation" takes place in every part of our life. With the YM and YW, some older kids - due to personality, leadership, athletic or other skills, or perceived popularity may stand out differently to some kids more than others. Their importance as "Validators" may take on a greater role in a young persons life. But as a whole, the Deacons are watching the Priests. The Priests are watching the Elders, etc.

So now back to Josh and Nash. Time and time again, I watched both the younger and older kids watch these two very carefully. Activities succeeded and failed sometimes based on the attendance of these two. It's hard to go laying all this responsibility on a couple kids that are just trying to grow up themselves and so I am grateful that they took the role as "Validator" serious, even if they didn't know they were doing it.

They are now graduating to the next level which includes Melchizedek Priesthood, Missions and school. Both Josh and Nash have completed their Duty to God, their Eagle, Seminary Graduation and High School Graduation. That they will continue to be "Validators" for good and my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for having the chance to be part of their lives is my prayer.