Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

By Jim Greer

LW contributor

As older church members, we may feel that we don’t fit into the traditional definition of “family,” as identified in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

The Proclamation emphasizes eternal principles that establish an ideal for us to strive to reach, not a rigid, cookie-cutter mold of the perfect family. This month’s Ensign magazine provides insights to help us understand those eternal principles. As we apply those principles, we are blessed to more clearly see how we, as older adults, fit into God’s plan.

No matter what our earthly family looks like, each of us is “a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents” who love us. As members of God’s eternal family, our purpose is to “progress toward perfection and ultimately realize our divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.”

Sister Sharon Eubank, of the Relief Society General Presidency, explains, “The reality is that most church members do not live in perfect family situations. I’m not sure anyone lives in that perfect ideal family. So why keep the emphasis? Because family is our destiny, and we are on this earth to learn the skills of strong family relationships, no matter what our situation is. The Lord sees you. If you trust your life to him, his hand will guide you every step of the way until you are happy and at peace with all the desires of your heart.”

While many of us may no longer have, or may never have had what would be considered a “normal family,” there are vital relationships that are sacred stewardships. Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and others can be significantly influential. Fostering these family connections can provide valuable support and establish eternal relationships.

Just think about how Abraham, as an uncle, changed Lot’s life. Or, how Joseph of Egypt saved his brothers and their families. Sisters Mary and Martha blessed each other and their brother, Lazarus. Ruth sustained her mother-in-law Naomi and received the blessing of Naomi’s counsel. As cousins, Elisabeth and Mary supported another during their pregnancies. And, Zoram, who sustained Nephi, though not related by blood, was adopted with his kin as family members. The breadth of the “eternal family” concept envelops everyone as an integral part of God’s nuclear family.

President Henry B. Eyring confided with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve that “because of choices some in our extended family had made, I doubted that we could be together in the world to come.” In response, that living apostle explained, “You are worrying about the wrong problem. You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine.”

Elder Eyring further declared that this concern for our loved ones carries a promise to each of us who have done all we can to qualify for eternal life. And the heavenly father’s plan of happiness makes it possible for “each of us who has done the best we can to be sealed in a family forever.”