My Sweet Elizabeth

I got a text from Elizabeth while she was riding home on the bus.

"Mom can we eat out tonight im having a ruff day ill tell u about it when i get home."
I replied, "I am sorry you are having a rough day.  Do you just mean me and you eat out or the whole family?
"Which ever but id think it would be good if we do as a family if we cant its okay"
When she got home we talked about what was wrong (middle school drama with friends) but then she said, "I just want a nice evening where I don't have to stress and I can be with my family because then I know I will be happy."

I was so happy.  To see my almost 12 year old daughter realize that her family makes her happy was such a blessing.  We went out to dinner, ate, laughed and relaxed.  It was good to be a family. 

I am amazed at how much she teaches me about this life, the importance of family, and the power of love.

1: What Is My Purpose as a Missionary?

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, (2004), 1–16

"On earth, family associations can be the source of some of our greatest joy. Satan is attacking the family on many fronts, and too many families are being destroyed by his efforts. The message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ makes it possible for families to be united now and in eternity. By living the principles of the gospel, families can experience peace, joy, and a sense of belonging and identity in this life. Through the light of the gospel, families can resolve misunderstandings, contentions, and challenges. Families torn by discord can be healed through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. “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” ( Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102)."

I love the line, "Through the light of the gospel, families can resole misunderstandings, contentions, and challenges. Families torn by discord can be healed through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in the power if the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
This gives me hope. That all the family stuff that we have going on can be resolved through the power of the Atonement. I need to use that power of the Atonement when things are going wrong in our house. To help my family feel the Spirit and bring us closer together.