Monday, September 2, 2013

...all things known unto their family...

In our home in Provo, we have a small hallway leading to our bedroom. Over the years we have used those walls as our walls of fame. The east wall is filled with family pictures, some of past generations, some of not so past family pictures and always a current family picture, rather large, as the center piece. Sister Dalton and I cherish those pictures on that wall; it is our favorite part of our entire home. We have walled by those pictures for years and occasionally we will add or adjust the positions of those family generation images. When preparing to leave for our mission, the east hallway wall, were the last items we moved to storage. When we returned for a brief time, we did not rehang those beloved pictures for we knew we would be there for a very short 6 weeks. We shared our feelings between us, that we were occupying our own home, yet we did not feel at home. We spoke of the absence of so many pictures that brought floods of memories that came to our hearts and to all that entered our home; from our own parents to the youngest of our grandchildren. That simple wall has brought hours of stories and tender experiences passed down through words and a physical photo of those long gone before our eyes. Pictures have a way of capturing the real family struggles, successes, happiness and sadness’s as we labor together towards unity and perfection.
I carried with Sister Dalton and me two precious pictures from that wall of family prominence; our wedding picture and our most current family portrait. The wedding picture was the first to be placed on my nightstand next to our bed, and the family picture hangs next to the opening of our great room. Few people have seen the wedding picture while we have lived here, yet I have gazed upon that picture each night before retiring, and thought of the divine blessing I have experienced that day along her side. The family picture has been appreciated by General Authorities, Area Seventy’s, Mission Presidents, District Presidencies, and the simplest disciples of the Abomosu District. All have related to this most prized picture on our wall. It was the second picture I put on the wall after a favorite picture of the Savior surrounded by perfect loving children. When we left this home to fly home last May, our family picture was the last picture I took down from our walls and found a space in our luggage where it would be secured. At customs in New York airport, our suitcases were opened and examined, twice, and each time our family picture was in full view to the agent. Both agents commented as they gently placed the framed picture back into the suitcase, “O what a nice family. I’ll bet you love them dearly.” We would respond with a firm “yes” and Sister Dalton would then express to them that they were waiting on the other end of our flight to greet us.

I am humbled with the importance of family. It is universal for all mankind upon the world. The feelings of belonging to something grander than ourselves, and the need to share with those that are dear to us, is a bonding link we came to earth feeling. I’m sure Heavenly Father feels those feeling towards each of his spirit children and his earthly children that will one day return to His loving arms. It is my solemn desire to return with honor with every member of our family; all members of our family no matter what sphere they live. Just a simple picture can stir our lives and weave life experiences into a family tapestry that will last forever.

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