The Meaning of Eternal Marriage

I was struck by the very first thing that Elder Bednar gave in his talk. He declared, "We have been counseled strongly by the First Presidency to devote our best efforts to the strengthening of marriage and the home. Such instruction has never been more needed in the world than it is today, as the sanctity of marriage is attacked and the importance of the home is undermined." I can feel the truthfulness of this in the world around me and I have the desire to stand up for what marriage really means. 

To me, eternal marriage means just that, it doesn't end. We, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, know that through sacred temples on the earth today, we can be sealed for time and all eternity to our spouse. I am so grateful for this knowledge and have a strong desire to share it with everyone! It makes me so sad to think that most people are married with the phrase, "till death do we part." I am here to tell everyone that it can go beyond that.

I think it is very important to maintain an eternal perspective when it comes to marriage. Within marriage, both people are imperfect. Together, it is important to work through challenges and cling to one another rather than pulling apart. I believe this requires selflessness. 

I love a quote by Elder Bruce C. Hafen. He tells the story, "Another bride sighed blissfully on her wedding day, “Mom, I’m at the end of all my troubles!” “Yes,” replied her mother, “but at which end?” When troubles come, the parties to a contractual marriage seek happiness by walking away. They marry to obtain benefits and will stay only as long as they’re receiving what they bargained for. But when troubles come to a covenant marriage, the husband and wife work them through.They marry to give and to grow, bound by covenants to each other, to the community, and to. Contract companions each give 50 percent; covenant companions each give 100 percent. "

In my own marriage, I have noticed that when we are both serving one another it brings the spirit into our home and we grown closer in unity and love. I am so grateful for my eternal companion that I know can be with me forever through the sealing power that exists today.