Sunday Reflection: Death and Family Relationships

So, I have a dear friend whose mother passed on a couple of weeks ago.  I've been thinking about her alot as I know she and her mother were very close.  I think about my own mother and how I would feel and how hard it will be when she passes on to the next life. 

Death is a hard thing.  I have always had a hard time saying goodbye to people whom I love dearly.  When I was a missionary for our church there were times that I got transferred to different areas in the mission.  I sometimes would just leave without telling anyone because the thought of having to say goodbye to these people that I had grown to love so dearly was too hard on me.  I always hate saying goodbye to family when we have family gatherings or when they come to visit us.  There is always an aching and a void felt when we have to part ways. 

The one thing that brings me comfort of parting with family and death is knowing that if I live the commandments of our Father in Heaven that we will be together in the next life.  The Savior provided a way for families to be together forever.   HOW AWESOME!!!  This knowledge really does help me want to be a better person because I know that this blessing will only come if I am obedient to the commandments of our Father in Heaven.  I don't want to be alone in the next life.  How sad would that be? 

I'm grateful for our loving Father in Heaven who loves us and has a plan for family relationships  to continue hereafter.  Our Savior Jesus Christ provided a way for us to be resurrected and we may all be with Him and our families in the next life if we do what is right.