Listening and Peace

I was 38 years old when my husband and I felt a need to move from our first home. We looked at existing homes and were not satisfied with anything we saw. We decided to build a home. Our ideas were  opened to possibilities I hadn’t even dreamed of and lots of questions. One of my questions was “What will be expected of me in our new home?” The answer I almost immediately heard was, “two more.” I knew it meant two more children. 

At the time I was expecting our sixth child. Our new home would have plenty of room for our family without being extravagant. I didn’t have any problem with having two more children. I loved children! I actually felt I would love to have a dozen, if I could. 

Acclimating to our new home was not easy. Everything was bigger and harder. We experienced new highs and new lows. Sometimes we wanted to go back to our old home and ways, the familiar and easier route. But we persevered and things got better. 

I never forgot what I heard that there were “two more.”  I had to really work spiritually to find out how to get two more here. My husband did not hear, “two more.” I had to help him see and feel that it was the right thing to do. I had to persevere spiritually. It was a challenge! 

The most joy I have ever felt in my life was the day I got married, and the days surrounding each of my children’s births. These last children brought a peace to living in our new home like nothing else could. I wanted to shout it upon the housetops. Children bring a piece of heaven with them and a grounding in faith for the whole family. What a blessing they are! 

When I am going through trials that require listening and faith I am reminded of this peace that only Christ can give us through his love and mercy. The words to this song can echo through our minds and hearts during these times of trial.

It Is Well with My Soul

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll—

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

“It is well, it is well with my soul.”

It is well with my soul;

It is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control:

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well with my soul;

It is well, it is well with my soul.

3. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.

It is well with my soul;

It is well, it is well with my soul.

4. O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The heav’ns be rolled back like a scroll.

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend;

Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul;

It is well, it is well with my soul.

For a beautiful rendition of this song click here: The Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square