Knowing

Last week the brother of one of my husband's friends took his life. Though I did not know the individual, it is tragic news that leaves you with sadness for all who knew him. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and wife he left behind. I pray for them and that they will feel peace in their hearts and a deeper testimony of the reality of our Savior's atonement.

I have thought a lot since hearing this news- we do not know what happens to individuals who make that decision, and can be very thankful we are not the judge of such things. We have no idea what that person was going through and what led to that action, but one thing we do know, that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who lived and died for us. Our omnipotent Father in Heaven has a plan, a Plan of Happiness, that allows us to live again after we have died. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, then gave his life to atone for the sins of all mankind. The atonement is for all.

In Mosiah 3:11 we read, "For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned."

Given this individual's circumstance, the line 'who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them' sticks out. And it made me realize how important it is for us to know the will of God for us. He has a plan for us, we are his children, he wants us to be happy and return to him. I am so very grateful that I can go to the temple to learn of that plan and get a deeper understanding of it. It brings such a peace and joy to have that knowledge. I wish everyone could have that feeling and I want to do more to let others know how much they are loved and how important they are.

So on this post, I testify that I know these things are true and make it a goal to be better at serving, reaching out, and showing love to others.