Saturday Night Phone Calls...What a Blessing

I should have learned this lesson a long time ago....late Saturday night phone calls usually mean one thing...."Teach my lesson, please?"

And so....I was able to teach priesthood this last Sunday. Topic: "Family: The sweetest union for time and eternity." What a great thought. It brought to my memory something that happened 3 years ago. Jordan had just turned 8 and it was his baptismal day. This was in Septmeber and had been a little more than a year since we lost Becca. We all were accutely aware that our family was not complete with her absence. As we were in the chapel, listening to the special music that was being provided, I had the distinct feeling that she was there. No, it was more than a feeling. It was real and I knew she was present. In my mind, somewhat surprised to feel her presence, I exclaimed, "Becca, you're here." Her reply came to as if I could hear her voice, "Dad, I will be at all of the big events, we're family." Tears filled my eyes and warmth filled my heart. The words, "Dad, ... we're family", resonated deeply.

Grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord and eager to share this with the rest of the family, I could not wait to get home. To my delight, Kristina, who was in tears throughout the baptismal service, had already spread the news. "Did anyone else feel Becca's presence today?" she asked as soon as we walked in the door. Continuing, she related, "She was definitely there, I felt her and could not stop crying!"

I have asked myself many times, what is a "big event"? Perhaps if I knew, I could selfishly plan them more frequently and enjoy having her with us more often. We miss her so much. I have, however, settled upon the idea, that perhaps any event in the family, where covenants are made and ordinances preformed, would qualify as "big event" from an eternal perspective. I now look forward to every such occasion, with a little more anticipation than normal...and so far, have not been disappointed.