Pioneer Day Thoughts

Sunday I attended Greenwich Branch. The theme of sacrament meeting was the faith of the Pioneers. An elderly gentleman spoke; it was obvious that he had not studied the pioneers and the sacrifices they made in great detail before preparing for the talk but he spoke with such passion, admiration and love for those people that it really touched my heart. He broke down several times during the talk as he related stories of the early Mormon pioneers- particularly those who were in the Martin and Willie Handcart companies. I couldn't help but think of the pioneers in my family and how grateful I am for them. I appreciate their huge sacrifices for the gospel and I am so thankful to be the beneficiary of the blessings that have rippled down to me.

I see the lives my children and grandchildren are living and the love that each of them have for the gospel and I can't help but think that our ancestors are being blessed beyond their wildest dreams.

I believe our ancestors continue to be a part of our lives. I know that they were present when each of my children went through the temple the first time. I know they have urged us on from beyond the grave when things seemed darkest in our lives. How grateful I am for them and for their faith in us. I pray we may be found worthy of their sacrifices...