Humbled and Happy

I was able to spend some time with Sara, Chrissy and my dad last night because Dad came up to Salt Lake for a meeting. Sara made a yummy dinner and we sat around and laughed about stupid boys while we ate. Sara had just moved into her new apartment and wanted it blessed by the Priesthood so Dad, of course, stepped in willingly. It was an amazing experience as he exercised that power. It was too special to share, but very powerful. Then we went and wandered walmart... us girls in the girl section and dad in sporting goods. :) We got back and helped Chrissy decide on what to do about her overwhelming semester schedule... especially now that she has been called as the Relief Society President in her ward. She has such a golden heart and longs to do the very best she can... almost to the point of completely wearing herself out. We hugged her and loved her, pick her up, motivated her and shared some more tender and spiritual moments.

I am so incredibly blessed beyond words. I look around me everywhere and there are families being ripped to shreds and suffering in agony as they hold on to what little they have left of 'home'. I am so overwhelmingly humbled to realize how rare a thing I have in my family. I feel so much peace and love; a thick, pure, real and lasting love; a true and eternal love for my family. It's something so deep and strong, that when I really try to comprehend it and think about it, I feel a small and uncontrollable giggle rise from the very depths of my heart and ring out of my voice, accompanied by a tear or two of absolute joy. I start to wonder, "How did this happen? How did my family survive the horrible temptations, enticements and distractions that the world has to offer? How is it that we are the way we are?" But almost without hesitation, the memories come flooding back... Memories of the battles over getting everyone knelt down for family prayer. The eyes that rolled when mom would tell us it was time for scripture study. The unexpected fights that would erupt-- just before a special moment would come along; one that could have kept that good experience from happening, but didn't. These simply vital moments kept us close as a family, no matter how 'painful' and exhausting they were.

I have a testimony of the 'small' things. Pray with your family. Go to church. Share your testimony in the most random of moments. Have family home evening every week. Serve together. Be a real true family and don't be afraid to say 'I love you.' It's THOSE kinds of things that have helped me and my family get where we are. This doesn't do them justices, but I LOVE MY FAMILY. It is this kind of a family that I am going to fight for in my future as well.

New Lesson Learned/Learning

Church was great yesterday. But the lesson I've learned, or that I'm learning is not one that was learned in one day or during one meeting. Its something I've been slowly realizing and learning throughout the last year or so. I am learning that most of my life really isn't about me. I am learning that most of my life is about how I use it to serve others. Here is my thought process:

We are here to follow the example of Christ, to do our best to be like him so that we can return to live with God. The scriptures say that He and God are one. We know that this refers to them being one in purpose. Soo....

If I need to be like Christ, to be one with Him and God, to have the same purpose (Moses 1:39), I need to know what He was like and how he did it. What was he like?: Selfless. How did he do it?: Service. Done. The end. To obtain the reward I desire: Exaltation, I need to forget about myself. I need to focus on those around me because it is through service to them that I will get what I came here to prove myself worthy to receive.

Of course there are many other dimensions and things that must happen, but all of them seem to maintain a connection with this concept. Correct me if I'm wrong. :)

Thoughts? :)