Afflictions and Disease

Afflictions and disease are sometimes necessary tools or vehicles to bring our attitudes to the point at which we can learn.  Sometimes we have to suffer long enough, make us desperate enough, that we will accept and live the truth.  I have suffered much tooth decay, because I could not get myself to accept the need for flossing regularly.  I have suffered illness and discomfort of body until I learned to eat better or drink more, or many other things that I seem unable or unwilling to accept or adhere to until I had suffered a long time.  Many of these are reoccurring, because I forget.  Many of the things we don’t like here on earth are necessary for us to get our attitudes to the place they need to be.

Family's are Forever

The priesthood lesson #4 Strengthening and Preserving the Family had a quote on p. 77-78 that reads, “Is it possible to imagine a greater source of sorrow than to be left in the eternal world without claim on father or mother or children?”  I thought about how our kids and parents have missed us in China this year.  And then I thought, “What if I could never see my Heavenly Parents – ever again - just because I wasn’t faithful.”  What agony would that bring once our memories of our pre-mortal family life are restored?!

We need to nourish the relationship we once had, through conversations with Him and study to come to know God once again.  He sure has been kind to me here in China!

Another statement, p. 79, was, “Do you spend as much time making your family and home successful as you do in pursuing social and professional success?”  I thought about how wonderful my family is and also my past efforts that sometimes were not sufficient, yet I realized that we do not have to be perfect at it.  We do have to be consistent and continuing, ever pressing forward, despite our lapses and weaknesses.

We don’t need lots of money to strengthen our families.  We need effort and thought.