I wanted to follow up with my blog post about eternal families yesterday. For many people, an eternal family is a ways in the future. Maybe a spouse is not a member of the Church, a temple is not available in one's immediate region, or matters of worthiness hold one back. Our Heavenly Father knows us perfectly, and when we do our best to follow Him, He will give us every blessing in His own time. Until then, we must continue in hope and faith. I love the article "Hope: The Misunderstood Sister" by Larry Hiller. It has helped me to understand the concept of "hope" more than anything else. He says:
When we endure tribulation with faith and patience, what we experience is the Savior’s awareness of us and His love for us. We experience them through the ministrations of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. We receive this witness after the trial of our faith (see Ether 12:6).
In my own life, when I patiently endure trials, the Savior, who took upon Himself all of our ills and sorrows (see Alma 7:11–12), ministers to me through the Spirit. I experience the Savior’s tender mercies. My trials may continue, but having taken upon me the yoke of Christ, I find Him sharing my yoke, making my burdens bearable, and giving me hope. I then have strength to endure. I have assurance that all will be made right, not just in eternity but also for eternity. Hope is anything but wishful. It is expectation based on experience.
When we continue in faith, we will be blessed. I know that someday I will be able to have an eternal family, and until then, I am grateful to share this glorious message as a missionary in the South, and to you, wherever you may be!
