When I reflect on the happiest days of my life, I can't help but smile and think of August 26, 2011. That hot, summer day was the day that I married my husband, Parker, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. I think most people reflect back to their wedding day with fondness and happy memories. Getting married is such a large milestone in everyone's life. When I think of my wedding day, I think of being surrounded by my family and friends. I think of our beautiful ceremony and reception, and all of the people that were in attendance to show their love and support for Parker and I. However, what I think of most when I think of my wedding day was the feeling that I felt when I knew that I could be with Parker forever.
In The Family: A Proclamation to the World we read that "The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally." In a traditional wedding ceremony, the words "till death do us part" are spoken. In an LDS wedding ceremony inside a temple of the Lord, however, the words "for time and all eternity" are spoken. Because Parker and I were sealed in the temple by priesthood authority, our union with each other will continue even after we die. What a beautiful blessing!
In the Old Testament we read of the story of Abraham sending his servant to Mesopotamia, Abraham's former homeland, to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham was desirous that Issac marry within the covenant so that he and his wife, and their posterity could receive the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant and eternal marriage. The journey from Canaan to Mesopotamia was a very long and strenuous trip. The fact that Abraham asked his servant to make that long, hard journey demonstrates the importance of marrying within the covenant, or having an eternal marriage. It is worth sacrificing in order to obtain the blessings that come from an eternal marriage in the house of the Lord.
What are we willing to sacrifice in order to obtain an eternal marriage? Are we willing to put off the natural man and keep the commandments of the Lord? Are we striving daily to keeping the covenants we may have already made with Heavenly Father? In an eternal marriage we can find true happiness. We can be with our spouse and children forever. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to receive this wonderful blessing?
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