The saying "Warts and All" is attributed to Thomas Cromwell. When Cromwell became Lord Protector of England a famous artist was painting his portrait. During the sitting Cromwell was surprised to see the artist gloss over his rough and undesirable features. So, legend claims that Cromwell instructed the artist to use his skill to paint him like he truly was, warts and all! When Nan Hunter received her service award last Friday night she used Cromwell's phrase to share some amusing Nan stories.
Nan thanked the award sponsors and especially noted how kind they'd been to profile only her achievements, leaving out the warts. Then she pointed out a few!
For example, Nan noted that while she did indeed raise 8 children, they failed to mention that she was usually late for church with her brood of young kids. And sometimes they arrived and not everyone had shoes on their feet. Then, following church meetings she often got home before noticing that a child (or 2) had been inadvertently left at the church building.
Nan thanked the award presenter for mentioning the school she started. She then noted that after starting the school she received a phone call from the principal while Nan was away on a trip. The principal asked Nan if her daughter, Merilee, had her driver's license. When Nan reported "no," the principal informed Nan that Merilee was driving her siblings to school, as well as driving all over Almaden! Oops!
In her usual self-deprecating way, Nan acknowledged her shortcomings. But, Nan also shared gratitude for the many ways she's been able to serve over the years despite those shortcomings because people allowed her to do things when she didn't necessarily know what she was doing. Nan truly believes many of her achievements are simply a result of people giving an ordinary woman and mother a chance to try things!
A motto that could be ascribed to Nan is that "it is better to 'do things' rather than wait until you can 'do them perfectly'!" For example, it's better to take a flat loaf of bread to someone than wait until you can bake a perfect loaf. It's better to play a bad game of tennis than not play. Etc.
Nan is truly one of my favorite people! She concluded noting how in the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord often refers to Joseph Smith as "my servant Joseph." Nan has decided that she would prefer to be a servant in the house of the Lord than to be a queen in any country! She thinks "my servant Nan" has a nice ring to it! I think ...you've gotta love Nan, warts and all!
