Gathering in

My current scripture study is in the Old Testament chapters where many prophets describe the challenges of the latter days prior to the Second Coming. Much of it, of course, I don’t understand completely. But the general message is one of pending difficulty.

Our children are now grown. Our time for preparing them against those times of sifting (some of which are undoubtedly already upon us) is probably just about past. Now they have to go out and fend for themselves—battle their own battles and deal with both victory and defeat.

Our second child is already married and has begun the raising of the next generation. Her next-youngest sibling will be married in a little over a month. The rest are in various stages of preparation.

My impression this morning was to petition Heavenly Father (as I have often done previously) to send strong spirits to be companions for these souls who are so precious to us. The one we already have qualifies; the one we are soon to have join us does as well. May they all be strengthened from outside and recommitted from within to face the battles that will continue to escalate until the One who is worthy to rule will calm the strife.

And for however long I get to accompany them, may my voice be one of encouragement. May they know that, even after I have left this mortal realm, I will be just out of sight cheering them on.