The Lord's Promise

*" --As we invite the Savior into our lives, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of
the love which the Father and His Son, our Savior, have for each of us. But
feeling Their love is dependent not only on our desire but upon our actions
as well. And the actions we need to take are known to us: genuine prayer
that is specific and humble, followed by quiet listening for the Lord's
answers; regular scripture study and time to ponder what we read; and,
finally, a willingness to be introspective about ourselves and to trust in
the Lord's promise that He will 'make weak things become strong
unto [us]' (Ether 12:27)."

I feel that each family is uniquely prepared to support their missionary or child as an individual. In our family, trails and tribulations and service are happenstance. Our kids were prepared for the very worst and the best on their missions. through those tough character building situations and opportunities to give of themselves..

Through many priesthood blessings I've received for healing, each priesthood holder in turn told me that our trials were meant to make us stronger as a family and to teach our sons the gift of compassion. Compassion ebbed and flowed freely for our family because of this knowledge. It gave us strength when bigger trials came. Conflicts were resolved and hearts were mended.

We are all so grateful now for the hard work, the tears and the stumbling blocks we've overcome together. We can remind each other about these things during situations that are tough for our missionaries. We have already lived through so much that might help the one who is serving. We can lift each other in prayer and in thought and through our daily deeds of service--and relay those situations to them. We can tell them what we have learned and in turn they can share how our words have lifted them.

I guess what I'm saying is to continue to strive to learn and teach and grow in the gospel while our kids are on missions or away from home. Give service to our brothers and sisters inside and out of the gospel while they are away--just as they are doing. As we continue to share with our kids and lift them as we are lifted, we are still weathering the storms of life together as eternal families. I feel so blessed and humbled to have sons who are so willing to serve.

My heart is full and I now know that I can do anything the Lord asks of me especially after giving my children to Him for safe keeping. At the beginning of this missionary moms journey, I was weak and had so many fears. After much prayer and pondering what I have learned from the scriptures and living the gospel, I have found my way.

I have never been happier or felt stronger in my testimony of Jesus Christ and in His church. Life continues to be a blessing and I know with all I am that the Lord does keep His promises.
***


*(Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 112)