The Heart of the Gospel

I decided that I wanted to enhance my relationships with my immediate and extended family for the walk portion of my practicum.  The first thing I choose to do, as part of strengthening my relationship with my immediate family, was to continue to build my relationship with my little brother, who is currently on a mission in Mexico.  I decided to write to him each week and share something I had learned about the gospel during the previous week.  I truly felt our bond strengthen as we discussed many topics and shared favorite quotes.  Even though he is far away I have been grateful to share many connections with him that keep us close.  His letters continue to be the highlight of my week.

The second half of my goal was to also strengthen my relationship with my extended family which included attending two family reunions and being a integral part in organizing and putting together items for each reunion.  At the reunion on my dad's side I spent time serving a scone dinner and talking with many people who I had not seen for at least a year.  On my mom's side I spent time researching many of our ancestors on her side in order to play a Would You Rather style game, which involved picking which ancestor one would rather be based on stories about each ancestors' life.  It was exciting not only to learn so much about my ancestors, but also to share it with those who share the same ancestry.  As we closed our reunion I could feel my testimony of family strengthen.

I know that at the center of Heavenly Father's plan for us is our family bonds.  I am so grateful to belong to a church that emphasizes our need to build family relationships.  The family is truly at the heart of Christ's gospel and I have felt a greater love for my family as I have actively sought to build relationships with them.  I know that we will be a family forever.