Boys to Men

I feel the lump in my throat and hold the tears back more times than I can count through the years as I sit on the bench in Sacrament meeting and observe  my sons. I watch them administer the sacrament or say the prayer, blessing it, watch my younger 12 year old son pass the bread and water to those in the congregation and glance over at my newly baptized 8 year old as he writes out his testimony making sure he's fully prepared to give it when given the chance.  I look down at the sacrament program which has the addresses of our ward's missionaries and my oldest son's is there too. Just a new missionary in the field but prepared and eager to teach.  A tear rolls down my cheek.

At the end of our meetings for the day I jostle my sleepy 9 month old baby boy while visiting my 14 year old son's class so I can hear the setting apart for him to the office of Teacher Quorum president. The words of our Heavenly Father through his spokesperson to my son touch my heart with gratitude for their love in my son's behalf in this blessing. Right after this I carry my beautiful sleeping baby boy (by now out for his nap) into my 16 year old son's class to witness his blessing as he is set apart to Assistant to the Bishop.  By now the meetings have come to an end and all of these great young men bend a knee and a tender prayer is offered to close the meeting. A tear rolls down my cheek again.

This is the Lord's church today on the earth.  The ordinances and teachings are of Him, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit testifies truth to my heart. I feel safe. I feel joy. I know the priesthood power is God's power and by proper authority these men act in His name to do good and build His kingdom of righteousness that any who desire safety and joy will receive it.  No, I haven't had a life free of trials, but my Lord has carried my burden.  He has carried me.  I feel His love and will trust in Him forever! I will trust in Him forever!  He has given me the strength, direction and a way to lead boys into becoming great men.