An amazing aspect of Family History is the effect it has not only on our hearts being turned towards those who have already passed on, but towards the family we have now. Gaining a love for seeking out our family history has the ability to change our hearts and knit us closer together with those who are still living and a part of our lives. Not only in learning their stories, but also to spend time together and make more memories together.
Even more, with the Spirit of Elijah—a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family - we yearn more for the ability to participate in personal and family prayer, personal and family scripture study, and regular family home evening. We remember the love and joy that family bonding time has given us in the past. We want to continue to strengthen that for the future.
But never forget, family is not always blood ties. A family is a group of people who experience life together, who love each other, and who support each other. You are not restricted to family history work only for those who are blood-tied to you. You may also seek out and learn about your dearest friends and include them in your thoughts and searches. They may not be able to tie into your family tree, but what is a tree without the forest to surround and enrich it?
Enjoy family history work. Open yourself to experience "the greatest of happiness, the most satisfying aspects of life, the deepest joys".
My grandmother is our historian... and she has now published two books for us! Such a rich history and now we all have tangible pieces of it!
ReplyDeleteA very informative post. Made me think about how much family history we are missing.
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