One of The Best Days Yet

Yesterday was one of the best days so far. My husband stood in a circle with the most important men in my life (except Logan and Skip). He ordained Jackson to the office of a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was beautiful. Jackson then stood in that same circle as my dad ordained Braxton to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Finally, Colton sat in the same chair as Josh laid his hands on his head to bestow upon him the Aaronic Priesthood and ordain him to the office of a Deacon.

My dad, my mom's husband, my sweet Grandpa Nef, my brother (Brandon), Bishop Cottle, Brother Nebeker (YM President), and Brother Laws all stood in that circle. They are all honorable Priesthood holders. They have, and will continue to, have a great influence on my boys' lives. The Spirit was strong. The words were beautiful. The feeling was of immense gratitude and humility.

The journey on this Earth so far has been full of trials and struggles. My boys have strength like nothing I've ever seen. My boys have courage like nothing I've ever seen. My boys have hope like nothing I've ever seen. My boys are valiant and stalwart. My boys are compassionate and empathetic. My boys are kind and forgiving. None of these attributes are because of me. Rather, they are because of our Heavenly Father who knows us and loves us. They are due to the people who have been along our path all the way. They are because of the struggles that we have been through, and the ability that our Savior has given us to overcome and keep pushing forward.

Last night, I had a long talk with Jackson. He asked me to pray with him. There is no better mommy moment than when our children ask me to pray with them. I know that they have faith that those prayers are heard and answered. I know that they have faith that they are known. I know that they have faith that their mom has faith. I prayed, as I always do, that our Father would hold him in the hollow of His hands.

I am grateful for the Gospel and for the knowledge that we are not just here, in this crazy world to struggle, to face sadness, to face fear, to face anger, and to fail for no reason at all. I am grateful for my knowledge that there is a plan. There is a reason for all of this. There is a next step after this life. I am grateful for prayers. I am grateful for the Priesthood. I have five Priesthood holders in my home now. What a gift! What a blessing!

I am so grateful.