One of the great things I have really come to love about the organization of our church is the strengthening we receive from our brothers and sisters in the gospel. As we come to know one another we are influenced by the testimony and goodness of those around us, and in our turn offer our strength to those around us who stand in need. And when we gather together to worship, the combined strength that is felt can be a huge lift to our spirits, something to give you the strength to go on and to do better.
Today was another wonderful Sunday where I was so moved by what I heard and witnessed, my soul has been singing and my heart has been much lighter, I am so grateful for the example these brothers and sisters show to me. But today, specifically, I was priviledged to be sitting near to a family that is a pillar of strength in our ward. They are goodness and courage and graciousness and fun all wrapped up into one. They are practically perfect in every way and I figure they are still here on earth only because we need keep learning from them.
This family has had their struggles, but their faith shines through whatever may come their way. We first met them 10 years ago when we moved into this ward. They had three children at the time, the youngest of which was just two years old. (They have since had one more child, just for the record.) He has a very serious congenital birth defect and requires a great deal of medical attention, so there are constant doctors appointments and medical procedures as a part of their daily lives. Yet, through it all they have all been so optimistic and hopeful and this young man is now 12 years old and doing very well. And today was the first day he participated in administration of the sacrament.
At first, I saw him passing the sacrament and my heart was full and excited for him. Then, I saw his mother and began seeing this miracle through her eyes and my heart was overcome with love and gratitude, faith and hope. So many miracles have happened with this young man and his family, miracles I am sure I haven't the slightest idea about, but you could see them all in her face. It is normal for all moms to beam as they watch their young men meet these milestones and receive the priesthood and grow in their gospel knowledge and understanding. But she wasn't beaming (although I am certain I will be), she did not have a look of pride or relief on her face. Rather, it was a look of gratitude far beyond anything many of us could relate to. It was a look of complete reliance on our Heavenly Father and appreciation for the countless blessings received over the years. It was the most humble, soft, faithful look I have ever seen in a mother watching a child moving forward and accomplishing new things in life.
It really was the glow of a loving Heavenly Father in her countenance. I have heard that scripture so often but today I saw it, I felt it and I have been changed by it.
Where would we be if we didn't have others around us to provide love and examples for us in our lives? I don't want to even pursue that thought at all. I just want to thank my Heavenly Father for letting me see this sweet sister today, for being able to sit close enough that I could see the years of miraculous events and tender mercies shining from her countenance. Because of her proximity, I was able to literally feel the love and appreciation she has in her heart for her Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. And that has been a great reminder to me that Our Heavenly Father's love is available to all of us, an unlimited supply and an unending time table.
