The Lord has given us so much knowledge, but it barely touches our questions and concerns. One of the consequences of that is that we project what we want to happen, instead of what will happen or what His actual plan. It becomes increasingly obvious He wants us to have faith and trust in Him. "You are so correct that everyone cannot reach their greatest desire." All too often it would circumvent another's ability to choose for themselves. Great article. Thanks!
KathyMarch 6, 2016
William, I used to wonder about how people who have suffered terrible trials that left them horribly damaged emotionally and/or physically for their entire mortal life could possibly be compensated in the eternities. My perspective was changed through an experience that helped me get a small taste of what is to come. My first husband had left me with three preschoolers and expecting a 4th. I had to provide for them financially and struggled through all life's challenges as a single mom for 18 years, and it seemed like f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Then I remarried, and pow, just like that, those 18 years seemed like nothing--why had I made such a big deal out of it? This was a surprise to me, but a great learning experience. It sounds like you are in a lot of pain right now. What I have learned is that if and when we get to the Celestial Kingdom, it is going to be SOOoo wonderful, our mortal trials truly will not be an issue. Also, when we are free of our present mortal limitations and can see clearly and understand God's purposes fully, we will be filled with charity and gratitude. You may not be able now to picture your mother and father being sealed as an eternal family, that who knows? It may be possible. On the other hand, perhaps after seeing from an eternal viewpoint the love and service of your step parent, and the joy that loving relationship has brought your parent, you may at that day be overwhelmingly joyous to be sealed to that person. Sadly, not everyone will make choices that will earn them exaltation. But I have complete faith that everyone who does will be unimaginably happy about how the Lord will "set things right" in the eternities. I hope you find the peace you need.
BlakeMarch 4, 2016
I love your comment! Although I don't have an answer I feel the same way about other items in life that don't seem to have an answer with the knowledge and doctrine we have as a church. I think there are many, many individual circumstances that will need to be considered at an individual level that can't be answered with articles like this that are for the masses. But I understand where you are coming from. I have individual questions I want answers to that just don't seem like they could ever be straightened out like the example you gave with step parents.
WilliamMarch 4, 2016
It always seems people who write these essays give examples where we believe things will be set right in the eternities. What about those cases where everyone is not going to get their greatest desire, a whole eternal family with the mother and father they love sealed as an eternal family. They do not want a step parent in that role. Are their dreams unworthy of actual discussion?
Renaissance NerdMarch 4, 2016
One additional reason is this: nobody learns anything without suffering. There is always a component of suffering somewhere in the equation, even if it's at a remove, such as an author struggling and suffering to write a book that teaches others. Why should it be so? Why must suffering be a part of every sort of learning? It is the price we must pay for free will.
"He has the disposition which fits him for acquiring the most perfect self-command, but he has never had the opportunity to acquire it. Exercise and practice have been wanting; and without these no habit can ever be tolerably established. Hardships, dangers, injuries, misfortunes, are the only masters under whom we can learn the exercise of this virtue. But these are all masters to whom nobody willingly puts himself to school."
—Adam Smith, Theory of Moral Sentiments
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BryantMarch 7, 2016
The Lord has given us so much knowledge, but it barely touches our questions and concerns. One of the consequences of that is that we project what we want to happen, instead of what will happen or what His actual plan. It becomes increasingly obvious He wants us to have faith and trust in Him. "You are so correct that everyone cannot reach their greatest desire." All too often it would circumvent another's ability to choose for themselves. Great article. Thanks!
KathyMarch 6, 2016
William, I used to wonder about how people who have suffered terrible trials that left them horribly damaged emotionally and/or physically for their entire mortal life could possibly be compensated in the eternities. My perspective was changed through an experience that helped me get a small taste of what is to come. My first husband had left me with three preschoolers and expecting a 4th. I had to provide for them financially and struggled through all life's challenges as a single mom for 18 years, and it seemed like f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Then I remarried, and pow, just like that, those 18 years seemed like nothing--why had I made such a big deal out of it? This was a surprise to me, but a great learning experience. It sounds like you are in a lot of pain right now. What I have learned is that if and when we get to the Celestial Kingdom, it is going to be SOOoo wonderful, our mortal trials truly will not be an issue. Also, when we are free of our present mortal limitations and can see clearly and understand God's purposes fully, we will be filled with charity and gratitude. You may not be able now to picture your mother and father being sealed as an eternal family, that who knows? It may be possible. On the other hand, perhaps after seeing from an eternal viewpoint the love and service of your step parent, and the joy that loving relationship has brought your parent, you may at that day be overwhelmingly joyous to be sealed to that person. Sadly, not everyone will make choices that will earn them exaltation. But I have complete faith that everyone who does will be unimaginably happy about how the Lord will "set things right" in the eternities. I hope you find the peace you need.
BlakeMarch 4, 2016
I love your comment! Although I don't have an answer I feel the same way about other items in life that don't seem to have an answer with the knowledge and doctrine we have as a church. I think there are many, many individual circumstances that will need to be considered at an individual level that can't be answered with articles like this that are for the masses. But I understand where you are coming from. I have individual questions I want answers to that just don't seem like they could ever be straightened out like the example you gave with step parents.
WilliamMarch 4, 2016
It always seems people who write these essays give examples where we believe things will be set right in the eternities. What about those cases where everyone is not going to get their greatest desire, a whole eternal family with the mother and father they love sealed as an eternal family. They do not want a step parent in that role. Are their dreams unworthy of actual discussion?
Renaissance NerdMarch 4, 2016
One additional reason is this: nobody learns anything without suffering. There is always a component of suffering somewhere in the equation, even if it's at a remove, such as an author struggling and suffering to write a book that teaches others. Why should it be so? Why must suffering be a part of every sort of learning? It is the price we must pay for free will. "He has the disposition which fits him for acquiring the most perfect self-command, but he has never had the opportunity to acquire it. Exercise and practice have been wanting; and without these no habit can ever be tolerably established. Hardships, dangers, injuries, misfortunes, are the only masters under whom we can learn the exercise of this virtue. But these are all masters to whom nobody willingly puts himself to school." —Adam Smith, Theory of Moral Sentiments
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