When our mother Lillie died at the age of 64 we were surprised and alarmed that skin cancer was the culprit that cut her life so short. Not one of her parents had lived long enough to die from a cancer of any sort. They had all died before they reached their golden years.
Lillie was given 6 months to live and she fought hard for her life with immunotherapy treatments and surgeries. Ultimately, these treatments had no effect. As Lillie declined in health she faced the end with faith and courage.
I believe three things prepared her to move on to her next life.
The first thing was knowing that her family was going to be okay – even without her.
The second thing was a big family reunion! This was the time to rejoice in her 7 children, their spouses, and the grandchildren. Lillie loved the babies! A tiny grand-baby cooing in her ear was her delight.
The last thing that comforted Lillie was her faith in the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She went to the Temple where she was reminded that life is a blessing made possible through the creation of the world, the gift of mortality, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ, Lillie received the grace of repentance and forgiveness and was reconciled to her Father in Heaven. Her temple covenants comforted her and assured her that she would enjoy her family connections after her death and throughout the eternities.
Lillie chose to live a faith-filled life and she made choices in keeping with the commandments of Jesus Christ. These choices continue to inspire her family with gratitude and love.
In the plan of salvation, mortality is an important milestone in our eternal life. We lived before mortality and we will live afterwards. President Russell M Nelson urged us recently –
When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view. Put Jesus Christ first, because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement. It is also dependent upon your obedience to His laws. Obedience paves the way for a joyful life for you today and a grand, eternal reward tomorrow.
When we focus our thoughts on the Christ, it’s easier to be obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make choices that bring you closer to Him. As we think Celestial, peace will fill our hearts and lives!
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