This past month has been a joyful and busy time for our family. Our youngest daughter returned from her mission - We celebrated Christmas and New Year's - All of our children were with us in the temple for the sealing of our eldest son - I've had days of playing with my adorable granddaughters. As I've pondered on these events and activities, what has occurred to me is that it's the being with family that has made the time sweeter.
I've reflected on my son and his sweet new wife as they knelt across the temple alter for their sealing ordinance and of the promises of eternal families we have because of those temple covenants. I've watched my little granddaughters and their parents as they learn and grow together - sometimes fighting exhaustion and struggling for patience with each other. I've watched my youngest daughter adjust from being a missionary full-time to living real life again with all it's challenges. I've watched my adult children interact with one another - sometimes rubbing against each other - but mostly trying to support each other.
My watching and reflecting has caused moments of regret - times of wishing I could have a do over. However, I understand that life moves forward and that I need to learn from my past - becoming better day by day. What I have felt the most this past month is the importance of these family relationships and of my role as a mother to set an example for my children in continuing to develop strong family ties even though we no longer live in the same house.
Life is busy and it can be easy to overlook the most important things in favor of doing the immediate things. I recently re-read a talk by President Uchtdorf entitled
Of Things That Matter Most. I suggest it to each of you as worth reading.
When my visit with my granddaughters comes to an end and I prepare to return home to Maryland and normal life, I hope that my reflections of the past month will stay with me and I will be able to actively seek ways to strengthen my family relationships and to focus each day on the things that matter most - my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Savior, my family, and in serving those around me as Christ would do.
-Lorie Pierce
