Where the Light Shines Through.

In the past few weeks, terrible tragedies have occurred. Big heartbreaks that have reminded me what a charmed life I live most of the time. My neighbors lost their 5 week old baby, a friend from back home died in a car accident, and some dear friends of ours lost their baby to cancer. Death seems to be a frequent companion as of late. But through many tears and heartfelt prayers, light continues to shine through. I have been strongly impressed with the spirits of the mourning families. Their testimonies of the Gospel of Christ have edified so many, and I have learned much from their strength and examples of faith. 

When I heard the news of the deaths of these beautiful sons of God, my heart ached for the families and loved ones. All I saw was darkness. Why would this happen to such good people? How will they ever stop crying over their loss? I saw it as a harsh defeat, undeserved. All I could imagine was the deep sorrow these families are trudging through. But boy was I proven wrong. They have been blessed with the knowledge of the Gospel. Armed with those sacred truths, they understand this isn't the end. They will see their loved ones again. These families know where their sons, brothers, and friends have gone, and best of all, who they're with. Their perspective is truly beautiful, and that's because they see the Gospel clearly and radiantly. And it is splendid. Dwelling on the sadness of the circumstances distracts us from the joy knowing these sons are with their loving Heavenly Father. We may miss them here on earth, but it is but a moment in the grand scheme of things. These boys are home. 

One speaker at my friend Dalton's funeral said, "His life was not cut short. He touched the spirits he was intended to and Heavenly Father called him home when his work here was finished."  My friend, with a heart for God's work, perfectly described as "a big, excited man" by a mission companion, left when he was meant to. God does not make mistakes. 

Echoing this sentiment, my friend who lost her ten month old baby said "We know that Leland had already achieved what he needed to here on earth and has victoriously conquered this earth life and goes before us, surrounding us, ready to bless us with the presence of his spirit and help us in our journeys." It was a victory that he was no longer in pain and he left us all blessed for knowing him. Who knew someone so small could make such an impact on a community. 

I am grateful for knowing these families will see their loved ones again soon. Their testimonies stand strong and tall in the fog of sorrow. I know these sweet sons of God are in the arms of their Heavenly Father, and I know there's a reason they were called home sooner than the rest of us. I know families are eternal and divine, and I draw great comfort knowing these families knew it too. I know "that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C122:7), even though we don't always understand right now. In a recent BYUI devotional, Darryl Foutz said,
"because it is our Father's plan—who is perfect—then by some deductive reasoning this is a perfect test, designed specifically for you and for me." This is His perfect plan, and he has given us every reason to trust in it. 

These tragedies weren't caused by God, but rather allowed for a purpose that is far grander than we can foresee right now. Perhaps the trials we face today aren't necessarily for us. Maybe it's to teach us empathy, or to know how to help others when we see them experience tragedies. These faithful families know their strength comes from above, and they refuse to "stop singing the song of redeeming love." (Alma 5:26)

As much as I want to take the pain from these families, I know I can't imagine what they're going through. But I am familiar with the one who can. Christ has gone to the depths of sorrow, and through His Atonement and His love can we be made whole again. I draw great comfort knowing the Savior has the deepest empathy for each spirit grieving. Christ is there to grant the strength we need. And to remind us where the light gets in. Always always.