Tender Moments and Tender Mercies

We attended the memorial service for Monique today.  Roger and Veronique did a wonderful job putting everything together.  There were beautiful pictures of Monique everywhere- each an evidence of the wonderful job they have done caring for Monique and making her earth experience the best it could be. 

They both spoke and shared tender moments and memories of Monique, and her time here with their family.  They both also bore powerful testimony of the reality and mission of our Savior, the resurrection and atonement, and the eternal nature of families.  (Jacob did too, through his letter to Monique)  They shared some of the things they learned from Monique.  They taught us the gospel.  We were also blessed to hear from their Bishop and from Elder Perrin Walker of the 70.  Their messages were also of our Savior's gospel, the peace it provides, and its necessity in our lives. 

I thought as they were speaking, how much I hoped that there were people in the congregation who were non-members, or members who are struggling with their testimonies.  I hoped my children were listening closely.  I was grateful, at a time when hearts were tender, that the gospel could be preached and taught so beautifully.  The Spirit was strong.  I don't know that I have ever attended a funeral or memorial service where I felt so spiritually fed at its conclusion.  It was a blessing to have been there.  I hope there were others who had the same kind of spiritual experience that I did.  It was a tender mercy of the Lord that at a time when there were tears, grief and sorrow for so many, peace was allowed to distill on the congregation, and we could be reminded and taught of eternal truths. It was a tender mercy at a time when my heart was especially tender, that I could be filled with peace and hope for the future when our family will be reunited with Savannah- just as Roger and Veronique's family will be with Monique again.

I add my testimony to those which were born today, that our Savior lives.  I know that if we follow his perfect example, we can live together as families when we leave this earth-life.  I know that our sins can be washed away through the power of the Atonement.  I know our Savior knows how to carry our burdens; not only our sins, but also our pains, our infirmities, and our sorrows.  My testimony of these principles is a great comfort to me.  It gives me daily direction, and also provides hope as I continue my mortal journey. 

Someday I'll be reunited with loved ones.  I look forward to that day.  Until then, I will hug my children a little tighter, and try to treasure each moment we have together.  I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted them to our care.  It's a priviledge to be their parents.