Eternal Families and Forgiveness

Almost every day Ally goes around labeling each other's friends. For example, Ally is mama's friend and Daniel is Daddy's friend. Mama and Daddy can't be friends, nor can mama and Daniel, or Daddy and Ally. In Ally's mind, matching gender means friends. Well, tonight Ally was really excited to play with Daniel and Daniel was really excited to go to sleep. While she was pulling at him to play he was swiping at her to go away. After a near-hit Ally stopped and said, "Daniel, be nice. We are best friends!"

My first reaction, of course, was happiness that her friend tree branched out past me!

My second thought centered on the eternal nature of our families! It's true, we are eternal and even more so because LaDon and I were sealed in the temple for all time and eternity. If we are sealed together eternally, we might as well be best friends even if that means if one of us isn't in the mood to be friends at the moment.

The next thought was how forgiving Ally was in response to Daniel's almost-smack to the face. Rather than being upset that she was almost hit, she replied kindly and optimistically! As Christ hung on the cross, he implored the Father to "forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Ally forgave so quickly and loves her brother all the same.

I'm grateful for children who love each other and are happy to be with one another.