Torch, Winter 1990

A. With praise and encouragement, with an attitude that said, "You've done the right thing, and we are pleased." q. As I have seen you with family members, and I include your son- and daughters-in-law, I have noticed your gracious relationship with them. It is very open, very friendly, but yet respecting the other in dignity and grace. Is that something you've had to work on? A. I'm happy that it shows. Yes, that's what we have tried to do, and the fact that we've worked on it from the beginning doesn't mean we don't or won't have some differences. But even if they arise, the manner in which we handle them can keep the relationship intact. God gave us wonderful mates for our children, and our relationships are very good. q. What else has contributed to making your family successful ? A. If we are successful as a family, much of the credit goes to my wife Betty. She was the one who was there when the kids got up in the morning and when they came home at noon or in the afternoon. They knew she would be there waiting to share and to offer guidance and prayer. There was a time of talking and listening and a Bible story at bedtime. Her involvement in our family home life has been a major factor in our cohesiveness. q. Your job required you to travel a great deal. How did you arrange quality time with your family? A. When we could schedule it, they came with me. One time, when a job wasn 't wrapped up on time, we spent Thanks– giving in a motel, but we were together. Sometimes we could work a family trip around the job. We had a lot of what you might call "home schooling in the automobile." Betty had us learning all kinds of things using flash cards- names and capitals of the states and multiplica– tion tables, for example. q. What are some ways the local church has affected your family? A. Going to church is something that we've done regularly and together. When our kids were growing up, we appreciated the strong youth programs in our church. Our local church has good things to offer young adults and young families-discipling, parenting classes, and of course, fellowship opportunities. q. The aspect of family respect and consideration has been an important thing in your life, Gene. What else would you share with young couples just starting out in their marriages? A. Celebrate each day. Thank God daily for His blessings and for each other. Enjoy each other and each day's activities. Don't be in too big a hurry to accumulate. You don't have to have everything in the first year or two. The idea is to live within your means and not get strung out. q. It sounds as though you and your family like what you do, whether it's in the business or at home. A. Yes, I do enjoy my family and my work. It is important when you get up in the morning to say, "I'm going to enjoy what I do today" and, before you go to sleep at night, to be able to say, "This was a fun day." The Lord really has been involved in my life and in the lives of my family on a day-to-day basis, and I feel very fortunate to be able to look back and say, "Man, this has been a blast!" •