Family Happiness

Our personal happiness has a lot to do with whether our family is happy. It is interesting to read and see the strong connection between the two and the different elements that interact with one another within a familial context. One important principle to remember is that our Heavenly Father has sent each one of us here on Earth to learn and grow, the most powerful form of growth occurs in our homes in the framework of families.

In the reading this week, I was able to think more about faith in family life and the role that my own religious beliefs and practices have influenced me and the person that I have become. I have also been intrigued with the religious community, practices, and beliefs that have become so intertwined in my life while raising my own children. One of my classmates spoke about the strength that she is able to see from the strong, religious upbringing of her children and the effect it has played even when they are grown up and away from home. I thought about how it is one thing to believe, but to practice and participate is another aspect all together. Intertwined and together, these three dimensions in family life lead to action. In the LECTURES ON FAITH, Joseph Smith defined faith not only as belief but as "the principle of action in all intelligent beings".

Another chapter discussed the power of prayer and the influence for good that this principle can have, especially in times of distress and trouble within a marriage and family. Becoming a mother has helped me to recognize and appreciate my Heavenly Father in multiple ways and how important prayer is in my life. I think about my children and how much I truly love them, how much I want to help them to grow and learn, and also the sadness I feel when they feel sad. I know that Heavenly Father views me in this way as well. He loves me for who I am and who I can become. He wants me to learn and grow-- that is why I am here. He is also sad when I feel sad. The best way to build and understand my Father is to speak to Him and use prayer in my life to build that relationship.

Finally, I was able to read and understand the principles of repentance and forgiveness in an individual and family perspective. There was so much I that I hope to be able to understand better from this chapter. In finding the key aspects and putting them under the "page" in family happiness, I hope to be able to draw on the wisdom and understanding found under this particular reading assignment.