Our Service has Truly Blessed our Family

Isn’t it interesting how sometimes when you read an article or see a passing event, the message impacts you greatly and you remember it for years? Over time, I have come to recognize it as the Spirit of God trying to teach me or tell me something. The following is a personal example that has come to my mind recently.

Many years ago, I read an article written by a mission leader serving far away from home.  She was heartbroken that she would not be able to attend the event of a lifetime for her son who had worked hard to be an accomplished violinist.  He had been asked to perform in Carnegie Hall, which is a pinnacle achievement for any accomplished musician.  I remember being very sad for her. Despite my lack of knowledge for anything musical at that scale, I can appreciate that one of the joys of being a parent is to be able to watch your family succeed or be a part of the milestones in their lives. Thankfully, this mother mission leader later received a spiritual witness that the opportunity and blessing was given to her son partly because of her and her husband’s consecrated service to the Lord. This realization changed her perspective and brought peace.  I took note of the lesson she learned as well as her faith and resolve.  Little did I know that many years later, I too would see blessings given to my children as I served thousands of miles away.  As I have thought of this  woman’s example, I have been able to celebrate and enjoy from afar my family’s happy moments knowing that my children are being cared for by a loving Heavenly Father.  While we have been gone, our family continues to face the normal trials and the difficulties of life, but I testify that they have also been abundantly blessed and I have no doubt that God has been especially mindful of them and I am grateful.