It's a family thing.


My little family...so far.

Temple work - and, arguably, all of the work of the church - is ultimately about family. The Gospel's work is to bring to pass the immortality of men. But not to be immortal alone. When we die, we don't go off to some solitary cloud to strum a harp and eat grapes, all bored and lazy for all eternity. Negative. For one thing, work is an eternal principal. You know how you feel after a day of good, solid, honest work? And then, you know how you feel after a day of idleness, laziness, indulgence, and procrastination? I can tell you which feeling I find preferable.

So there will be no lonesome clouds for our eternal rest (thank heaven) because we aren't meant to be lazy. But also - we are not meant to be alone. I don't mean the loneliness we feel when we are physically by ourselves - because I think that at times, we are meant to be that kind of alone. For quiet reflection and study, for prayer and meditation, for personal revelation - all these are better accomplished when we are by ourselves. And some of us need some alone time now and again to refresh and rejuvinate. The idea of an eternity spent elbow-to-elbow with others doesn't exactly sound heavenly to us. Being physically alone can be a good thing. What I do mean is that even when we are physically separate, we are spiritually connected. In our family units (which are divinely orchestrated), our extended family circles, and for generations and generations that precede us; we all work together to bring to pass a great and marvelous work.

Which is being done right now - Seriously. Right this second! - in temples all around the world.

And this very afternoon, a great and a marvelous work will be performed in one of these temples for my family.

My father in law passed away three years ago. Today, his temple work will be performed. Then, this evening, he and his wife will be sealed together - and Bill and Lizzie will be sealed to them. I have the incredible honor of standing in for Martha, Bill's mom.

For those who may be reading who aren't LDS - I feel it's important for me to explain that performing these ordinances for the deceased does not commit them to obligations against their will. We believe that free agency is a sacred right - a gift that our savior paid dearly to give to each one of us. Performing these ordinaces gives them the opportunity to make a choice. They are free to accept the covenants we perform on their behalf, or they are free to say 'no thanks'. Bill, Lizzie and I hope they will accept - of course we hope they will accept! The gospel is the most important thing to us and the thing that brings us the most joy. Of course we want to share the thing that makes us happiest with those we love. And we believe that these ordinances do much to increase that joy - until, finally, we recieve a fullness of joy.

I, for one, am very excited to know what a 'fullness of joy' feels like. Because I gotta tell you - I've experienced some real joy doozies in my day, and even in my weak and mortal state, these episodes of joy have practically exploded me.

I have been waiting for this day for some time. Because - I love being connected to these people. My families are the greatest, and I want them all with me - every single link - for forever.




 





6 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is a great day, indeed!

Carolyn said...

What a sweet day for your family! And an adorable picture, for sure.

Ro Ro Riot said...

That's so nice! Also, I love the picture. Your son's face is hilarious.

MikkSolo said...

Awesome, just Awesome!

Tammy said...

It is amazing to see how much Daphne looks like Bill - especially when they are side by side - like in this picture.

How wonderful for everyone that these ordinances were able to be performed. Your little family is an example to all of us. Congratulations on such a special time

Jocelyn Christensen said...

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