My heart is full this morning as I think about life and death. A tender and loving father that I have been blessed to know went home to heaven. All of sudden, nothing else matters but the people in our lives, and what we do with the time given to us.
We come to earth for a short fleeting time, to learn and to grow, and to create treasured relationships and memories. It is humbling to hear of a loved one leaving this earth and coming back home. It makes me weep and miss them terribly, but hold on to hope and the happy thought of a reunion.
I want to share some thoughts below, starting with one from Russell M. Nelson:
“Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. Prior to our birth, we dwelled as spirit children with our Father in Heaven.There we eagerly anticipated the possibility of coming to earth and obtaining a physical body. Knowingly we wanted the risks of mortality, which would allow the exercise of agency and accountability. “This life [was to become] a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God.” (Alma 12:24.) But we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long-awaited trip, just as we do now. Before embarking on any journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket. Returning from earth to life in our heavenly home requires passage through—and not around—the doors of death. We were born to die, and we die to live. (See 2 Cor.6:9.)
As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven.”
One of the most comforting scriptures found in the Book of Mormon concerning death:
Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
This quote is from Joseph Fielding Smith. It has given me so much peace and perspective:
“And may I say for the consolation of those who mourn, and for the comfort and guidance of all of us, that no righteous man is ever taken before his time. In the case of the faithful Saints, they are simply transferred to other fields of labor. The Lord’s work goes on in this life, in the world of spirits, and in the kingdoms of glory where men go after their resurrection.”
These thoughts reflect my testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and it’s teachings. I know that we live after we die here on earth, and that our lives our eternal. I know that we will be reunited with our loved ones, because our loving Heavenly Father has made it possible. Death is not the end. It is a time to mourn and to reflect on the legacy that someone has left for us. The memories, lessons, and kindness that someone gave us while they were here. I know this is true. What joy and comfort these truths have brought me.
You may learn more about life after death and eternal families here at Mormon.org
That website is a valid source of truth. Ponder on what you read. Pray to know if it’s true. It’s as simple as that. Your Father in Heaven is aware of you and loves you dearly. I have witnessed this. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts:)
One day at a time 