When we were trying to decide what to do for Jonathan's parents for their 40th wedding anniversary, Jonathan's mom made one request: she wanted all of her children and their spouses to be in the temple together. Since everyone has either returned from missions or been married, it would be the first time for the whole family to be in the temple at once. So on the last day that everyone was here in Utah we went to the place where it all began-the Salt Lake Temple.
To think that forty years ago this young couple was sealed together for time and all eternity, not knowing exactly what life had in store for them, but having faith in the Lord and wanting to be married in the right place with the right person.
And after many life experiences, much faith, much sacrifice and lots of love they were able to gather in one place with all of their children and reflect on the past 40 years that they have shared. They have truly done so much. What a beautiful experience it was to all be together in such a heavenly setting. It was a taste of heaven on earth and truly inspiring to us all.
While in the temple, I kept thinking about a recent talk by President Eyring. He talks about how there is a gravestone near his grandparents' home that reads "Please no empty chairs." This couple was sealed in the temple and wanted their family to be together forever after this life. But they knew that this depended on each family member making the right choices to be together, to in the end, be "sitting in their respective chairs."
To think that forty years ago this young couple was sealed together for time and all eternity, not knowing exactly what life had in store for them, but having faith in the Lord and wanting to be married in the right place with the right person.
And after many life experiences, much faith, much sacrifice and lots of love they were able to gather in one place with all of their children and reflect on the past 40 years that they have shared. They have truly done so much. What a beautiful experience it was to all be together in such a heavenly setting. It was a taste of heaven on earth and truly inspiring to us all.
While in the temple, I kept thinking about a recent talk by President Eyring. He talks about how there is a gravestone near his grandparents' home that reads "Please no empty chairs." This couple was sealed in the temple and wanted their family to be together forever after this life. But they knew that this depended on each family member making the right choices to be together, to in the end, be "sitting in their respective chairs."
I thought about what a blessing it is to know that each of your children is worthy to be inside of the temple. I thought about my own family. I thought about my own children, and about each family and their children, how we are all connected, and my heart certainly reiterates this request and surely the request of all those that have gone on before us...
"Please no empty chairs."
1 comment:
That first picture you have in the post is one of my very favorites--love the bright colors with the vibrant background. I too hope being together will help us all want to make sure every chair is filled... Love your posts Erica!
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