Eternal Significance

"Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences." Richard G. Scott, Redemption: The Harvest of Love, Ensign, Nov 1990, 5.

This is a quote from a talk given by Elder Richard G. Scott. I heard it first years ago, it stuck with me. Elder Scott was speaking specifically about genealogy and family history work, but I think his statement can be applied much broader. I usually begin the semester by encouraging my family history class to make some changes in their lives and spend more time focused on the things that will stay with us and have "eternal significance".

What things have eternal significance? Well I guess we have to think about what things we can take with us when we leave this life. I think generally the categories fall into relationships and knowledge. Many of our relationships can have the possibility of being eternal if bound together by temple ordinances. Relationships and knowledge are the a couple of the things that bring students to college. We can gain knowledge by learning new things. We can develop and nurture relationships as we interact socially and most importantly as families. I think the family is the ideal place to gain knowledge and build relationships. So as we make choices throughout the day think about focusing on relationships and knowledge.

Song of the Heart

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made." D & C 25:12-13

The song of the heart seems to be a rejoicing heart. A rejoicing heart could also be a heart filled with graditude and this kind of heart is a prayer that is answered with blessings. In order to ensure blessings our heart must be rejoicing or grateful. What causes me to rejoice? I rejoice in my family! Which exists eternally through temple covenants I have made. Other things that cause me to rejoice: sunrise, watching snow fall, kindness shown by one family member to another, and of course every time I recognize that my Heavenly Father is specifically mindful of me. I am most grateful when I look for His hand daily in my life.