This past weekend, my uncle Darren took us for a quick spin to the cemetery. After his recent trips to Scotland, he has become obsessed with our family lines that originate there. We talked about the stories of faith of my ancestors who left Europe for Utah after being converted. My whole life, I have known that every single one of my ancestral lines goes all the way back to the beginnings of the church. I’ve never really done any substantial family history work before, in large part because of how many have worked on it. It’s certainly never complete, but my family has sure gotten close.
I can’t help but wonder how invested/involved in our lives they are on the other side of the veil. Elisha, going to battle, was surrounded by horses and chariots of fire, but only because his eyes were open to see them. I hope I can have the eyes to see and the heart to believe that they are there supporting me and cheering me on in my battles.
Doctrine & Covenants 84:88 says, “And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” This is commonly known as a missionary scripture. However, Uncle Darren taught me that it was directed to those returning from completing their missions at the time. It’s certainly brought me great comfort. I can’t help but hope that the Lord will bless me with angels, maybe my own ancestors and grandfather, to bear me up in my afflictions.