Peace

It's remarkable how strongly you can feel the Spirit of Peace when the veil is thin. As I held my grandmother's hand this past Friday and said goodbye, the sense of peace in her home was so strong that I could not feel sad for our loss, but only thankful for the blessings that the gospel promises. Thinking of the excitement that my Grandpa must have felt in knowing that his sweetheart would soon be with him again, and knowing that Grandma would soon find rest after a long and faithful life brought a feeling of gladness to my heart. How can anyone fear death when it brings such happiness to the one passing to the other side?

As I have reflected back over my grandmother's life this weekend, I feel such gratitude for the example that she set for me. She raised seven children almost by herself, as my grandpa was very often away for business or church. She taught her children the importance of family and of faith. She served a full-time mission to Africa. And in spite of the demands on her time throughout her life, she saved some for herself, earning a bachelor's degree and pursuing the creative arts that enriched and blessed us all. And because her blood courses through my veins, I feel as if I too can find the strength to be both a good mother and also a well-rounded person. I'm thankful for this legacy.

I'm so thankful to know that life does not end when the body wears out. I'm grateful for the peace that this knowledge brings. And I'm grateful to know that so many of those whom I love are together on the other side, waiting to welcome the rest of us in our own due time. I'm grateful to my grandparents for teaching these truths to their son, who in turn taught them to me. The gospel truly is peace.