Burnt Dinner

I love to think of having a happy family forever. Fortunately for me, I know that we can have happy families even when there are fights, even when dinner is burned or when plans fall through. I have an all or nothing kid. He will tell me he has had a good day only if every single thing in his day made him feel good. Even during a wonderful day, if his brother or sister yells at him for any reason, he tells me it is the worst day of his life. While it makes me chuckle some days, I am thankful to know about the great plan of happiness; true happiness.

The chance of every member of our families being happy all the time is not likely, but we can put certain principles into practice that will help us on our path.

In the “Proclamation on the Family”, it says “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

Hit and Miss

In our family, we certainly seem to hit and miss most of these principles. We aren’t going to do them perfectly all the time but as we make tiny steps of progress, we will feel the blessings of the Lord poured out on our families. Peace is possible within our homes if we sincerely do our best to show love and respect to one another and show love and respect for our God.

Elder Richard G. Scott once said, “As you dedicate time every day, personally and with your family, to the study of God’s word, peace will prevail in your life. That peace won’t come from the outside world. It will come from within your home, from within your family, from within your own heart.” 1

What better way to live as a family than sowing peace amid the storms on the outside? It will be a tangible feeling in your home.

Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke of the demands placed on families in our day. He said, “There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration.” 2

How can we focus more on the moments of joy? We practice the principles spoken of in the “Proclamation on the Family” and after we make mistakes here and there, we try again every day.  Most importantly though, we must focus on the giver of that joy, the author of our salvation, Jesus Christ. When the Savior went through that most excruciating ordeal on our behalf, he was able to get through it by focusing on joy. Hebrews 12:2 teaches us that we ought to look to the author and finisher of our faith; “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross”. We, his family, were the source of his joy that enabled him to finish his great mission.

We can have happy families no matter what comes our way when our eyes and hearts are set on the Lord, Jesus Christ.

1. “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority”, Elder Richard G. Scott, General Conference, October 2015
2. “Daughters of God”, Elder M. Russell Ballard, General Conference, April 2008