Joy

I have been blessed with amazing friends in my life. Growing up, there were 4 girls who were (and still are) my core group of friends. We grew up together, experienced life together, and were always there for each other. We helped each other's testimonies grow as we experienced seminary and young women's together. Today, I was pondering how (come May), all 5 of us will have been married in the temple, sealed to a loving husband for time and all eternity. As I pondered this, a feeling of great joy flooded over me. While I have found joy in our friendships before, knowing that we will all have celestial marriages brought me indescribable joy. We will have all made the covenants needed to return to our Father in Heaven. And I know that we will continue to help each other live worthy of those covenants.

There is a quiet joy that comes from seeing friends and family in the temple.When my little sister went through the temple, it was wonderful to see my parents, grandparents, and cousins there. Just before she left on her mission, I went to the temple with her and my parents. While we were there, I saw and talked to one of my young women leaders and one of my orchestra teachers. I can't really explain it, but it felt so good to see them in the temple. It's a feeling I have only ever felt at the temple. There is joy in seeing others in the temple, knowing that you are each living temple worthy lives.

Last Wednesday, we dropped my little sister off at the MTC. She will be serving the people in the the Anchorage, Alaska mission. There were tears shed as my family dropped her off, knowing we won't see her again for 18 months. As I have been thinking about her in the MTC this week, I have been filled with joy. Joy in knowing my little sister is sacrificing 18 months of her life to serve the Lord. Joy in seeing what a wonderful example she is to my family.

I am grateful for my family and friends. I am especially grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and that we have temples again upon the earth where we can be sealed to our loved ones forever.