Eternal Valentines

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

14 Feb 2008 11:00 AM

Of all the doctrines I love taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my favorite has to be that of eternal families. To know that because my husband and I were married in the temple by one who had authority, if we live righteously we can have our children with us forever, is amazing. I love my children intensely. The thought of being separated from them after death is chilling to me. The principle of the temple sealing brings me peace, comfort, and joy.

Twelve and a half years ago, my husband and I were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a beautiful day for a wedding-not too hot, even though it was August, just enough of a cloud cover to keep us from getting scorched as we had our pictures taken. I was a young little thing at nineteen, sure of the man I had chosen but in awe of the commitment I knew I was making. It's one thing to go on a date, another to kiss, another to go steady-but when you're choosing the man you will potentially spend eternity with, it takes on a whole new significance.

Since that day, we've had ups and downs, just like any married couple. We've struggled financially, we've wondered what on earth to do with quarreling children, and we've wondered what to do with each other. I think it's safe to say we get on each other's nerves from time to time, and I'll even step up to the plate and say that my husband has a lot to put up with in me. But there's one guiding light, one thing that keeps us going even when we feel like giving up - the memory of our temple sealing and knowing that as we strive to work together, we can form an eternal family.

Death does not bring marriage to an end. It only separates you for a short time. I'm reminded of the line from "The Princess Bride" - "Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while." This is so true. When a man and woman have been sealed in the temple of our God, their love can be eternal.

My sweetheart is taking me out to dinner tomorrow night. We'll get a sitter and try not to worry that she'll be tied up in the corner when we get home, our children dancing around her, chanting and emitting war whoops. We'll sit across the table, look in each other's eyes, maybe hold hands while we wait for our food. I want to celebrate Valentine's with him every year. Ten years from now, twenty, fifty - and I want to celebrate it into the eternities. Thanks to temple marriage, we'll have that chance.

Related Blogs:

Committing to Eternal Marriage

Young Women: Temple Marriage

Return with Honor

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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