Thoughts Provoked by a Funeral

Today, we attended a beautiful funeral for a beautiful person.

Some might think I am weird for saying that because I didn't know her very well. She was a close friend to Ben and his family. Just the same, it was a beautiful experience, and I felt like I knew her by the time we left because of the words shared by her little brother, bishop, and stake president.

Thinking about death and the life after, and hearing about the wonderful life Diane led, helped me feel the eternal perspective of life. I felt the spirit so strongly testifying of the truthfulness of everything everyone shared about the plan of salvation and our works during this life. Her funeral helped me have a better vision of who I want to be, and thinking about that helped me see who I can be.

I want to share with all our friends and family that I have a testimony of God. I know He lives. I know He is our father. I know that He sees the eternal perspective and that He knows what is best for us. I know that if we continue down the straight and narrow path that leads to exaltation, all of the experiences given to us during this life will help us reach our divine potential. It's not always easy, and not always fun, but we are here to find joy in the journey. We are here to prove ourselves worthy of returning to Him. That knowledge is what inspires me to be better. I want to live a righteous life so I can get back to my Father in Heaven and gain the eternal blessings promised to me.

I have felt God's presence and love so much stronger in my life the past few weeks than ever before. I have also made quite a few changes in my life that are helping me be better. As I seek God's will and His spirit in my life, I am blessed with joy, even when things are hard. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to live this life. I am grateful for Ben, for my family (in-laws and blood relations. You are all my family), for my friends, and especially for the gospel. If any of you are struggling, I hope you can find God again and feel His love and presence in your life. It is the most beautiful feeling I have experienced.