While Wes Was At The Temple

Last night while tucking Lucy into bed, she asked if I would sit with her "for a little minute." That's often Daddy's job in the evenings but he was gone to a temple session. So I stayed. I sat on the floor in between two beloved little beds, in between two beloved little heads. The stillness made Lucy and Spencer's room a sanctuary. What was there to do but think and feel, hope and thank. What was there to do but pray?

It was a disorganized prayer, dominated by thoughts of family members.

I thought about all of life's struggles and transitions. I thought about the support that circles round and round and round. Never ending, just like the trials. I thought how unique and how unequaled is the united faith of a family.

I felt anxiety regarding the unknown, but mostly I felt gratitude for times of togetherness, for shared testimony, for temple covenants.

I hoped healing for several beloved souls - small and tall. I hoped help for a new missionary. I hoped testimony for some, safety for others, good sleep for one, two, three tired bodies, in particular.

Mostly, I thanked God for family. My family. Four parents, kind and dear beyond description. Eighteen siblings, exemplary and so generous. Forty three nieces and nephews, radiant, helpful, full of promise. And two children. Beautiful, delightful, exhausting, snugly children.

Mostly, I felt peace. Peace that passeth understanding. Peace that shines through despair and trouble. Peace that comes only from prayer. Sweet peace. The Savior's sweet peace.