Thankfulness #8

Today I am grateful for families.

I got to attend two LDS Primary Programs today, the second and third that I have attended in the last couple of months. They were of course, delightful, and helped fill me with the Spirit and strengthened my testimony of the eternal nature of families.

So, today I am thankful for families. My mom and dad, are probably two of the coolest parents anyone could ask for, and were, I am slowly realizing, tailored to meet many of my specific needs. I have awesome siblings, who I am finally beginning to appreciate - a missionary brother who is maturing every time you blink your eye, and a sister who is making her own little corner of the world where everyone is welcome and included.

I am thankful for extended families. I love the good relationships I have with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of my family. I hope my children are privileged to have the same.

I am also thankful for surrogate families. Being the first in my family to move away from home (2,000-ish miles to be exact), I have been particularly blessed in this area. It seems that even when my family is at closest an hour, to several days away, I have always been surrounded by surrogate families who love and take care of me. Whether they be good bishops and bishopric members, parents of dear friends, faithful home teachers, or dear friends who have made a place for me in their lives and families, I have always been blessed to have them near to meet the immediate needs that my own family would if they were closer.

This quote comes from the primary children's program today, and I love it. The first time I heard it, and everytime since, it has brought tears to my eyes. I know it is true.

"God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be - this is how He shares His love, for the family is of God."

Truly God has given us all types, shapes, and sizes of families to help us become what He wants us to be. It is in the quiet, and sometimes not so quiet moments with these that we love, that we recognize the expression of His own love for us. Truly, the family is ordained of God, and can be eternal if we choose to live worthy of that blessing.