(written 21 Aug 11)
I was able to attend an Elder’s Quorum meeting today because I’m out of town. Out of the continental U.S. to be more specific, but anyway, I received a lesson from the teacher about eternal families. I really liked a line from the Gospel Principles manual that stated something about husbands and wives making each other happy. I thought particularly about my daughter’s reaction before I left; I’m confident that she means it when she says she loves me and that she really wants me around, so I must be doing some things right.
It occurred to me also that it’s pretty easy for us to be pleasant with people we don’t have to spend much time with, particularly if we’re just meeting them, but it’s different with our spouses (and children), with whom we spend so much time. We have ups and downs, but even when we’re not feeling well we can generally muster some charm and manners so as to give others a positive impression. With our spouses, though, it’s a continual effort, and it’s hard to be nice all the time; it takes endurance. That’s why it’s so beneficial to us; in being continually nice to our family members, we get a real opportunity to exercise our charity “muscles”, or in other words, to become more Christlike.
The idea of the our role in the family structure being a key part of our struggle to perfect ourselves isn’t new, but it’s recassuring to see the wisdom of God’s plan for us.
Very likely, it’s the fact that we must put effort into our family relationships that makes them so fulfilling and joyous.
Last thoughts for now:
I love my family. I’m glad they miss me when I’m away. I’m glad that I have to make a real effort at times in order to show them that I love them. I’m glad that my wife makes such efforts for me. I’m grateful for my covenants.
I was able to attend an Elder’s Quorum meeting today because I’m out of town. Out of the continental U.S. to be more specific, but anyway, I received a lesson from the teacher about eternal families. I really liked a line from the Gospel Principles manual that stated something about husbands and wives making each other happy. I thought particularly about my daughter’s reaction before I left; I’m confident that she means it when she says she loves me and that she really wants me around, so I must be doing some things right.
It occurred to me also that it’s pretty easy for us to be pleasant with people we don’t have to spend much time with, particularly if we’re just meeting them, but it’s different with our spouses (and children), with whom we spend so much time. We have ups and downs, but even when we’re not feeling well we can generally muster some charm and manners so as to give others a positive impression. With our spouses, though, it’s a continual effort, and it’s hard to be nice all the time; it takes endurance. That’s why it’s so beneficial to us; in being continually nice to our family members, we get a real opportunity to exercise our charity “muscles”, or in other words, to become more Christlike.
The idea of the our role in the family structure being a key part of our struggle to perfect ourselves isn’t new, but it’s recassuring to see the wisdom of God’s plan for us.
Very likely, it’s the fact that we must put effort into our family relationships that makes them so fulfilling and joyous.
Last thoughts for now:
I love my family. I’m glad they miss me when I’m away. I’m glad that I have to make a real effort at times in order to show them that I love them. I’m glad that my wife makes such efforts for me. I’m grateful for my covenants.
No comments:
Post a Comment