Blessing of Family

I know this has been said many times before but I wanted to say it again. Family is such a wonderful blessing. Last Saturday was Joseph’s blessing. We did the blessing at Monica’s parents’ church instead of doing it during a meeting at our church. We just thought this would be a more personal experience. We were right. What a wonderful evening. My grandfather, the original Joseph Lambert, bore his testimony and commented how wonderful and different the world would be if all children were brought into this world with the same loving family situation as Lil’ Joe had. What a true statement. I watched many people expressing love to one another and pondered on Grandpa’s comments throughout the rest of the evening and on the drive home. Thinking of all the sacrifices and hard work that went into this simple event is just a small illustration of the devotion and selflessness that happens in everyday life with a family. One example of this family dedication is how my Aunt Elaine and Uncle John drove my Grandma Chandler down to the blessing from Pocatello so that she could be there and then rush back home that same evening for another family event the next day. Another is how Monica’s mother helped get everything ready for the blessing and stayed after and cleaned most everything up after she had already been working all weekend long. My 92 year old Grandpa and Grandma Lambert made the long drive down from Burley to be there. Bette & Marilyn left another family event in northern Utah to race down so they could be changed and make it on time. These are just a few of the many examples of love and commitment I have been taught come with being a family. I hope and pray that I can teach my children how important family really is. I know I was raised by two wonderful, intelligent parents who worked very, very hard to make sure I was taught this important lesson. I try hard to appreciate it and always remember how blessed I am to have the family I have (this includes my wonderful in-laws). More importantly though I will strive to continue the traditions I have been taught that make family a blessing.