We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet

We have thrilled as a family to watch this weekend's General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I felt as if I was watching history in the making when President Monson announced the policy changes regarding missionary service.  Young men may embark on missionary service at the age of 18 after finishing high school.  This is in contrast to the previously expected age of 19.  Young women may now serve a mission at the age of 19 as opposed to the earlier age of 21.  This is a monumental change.  We sat stunned at the announcement with all our children, and I was moved to tears, understanding that all my children would be affected by the proclamation.

Nathan and I both had wonderful experiences serving missions, and I personally feel that it transformed my life and family.  I am a better mother, leader, student, friend, and disciple of Christ as a result of my service.  I am grateful that more will have the opportunity to serve missions.  I am grateful that my daughters won't be as torn in their lives as I was about service.  Less young women will need to choose between marriage and a mission.  Knowing that my boys will leave me a year earlier is a bittersweet experience.  They will grow and be blessed in so many ways as they strive to bless the lives of others, but of course it will be hard to let them leave the nest that much earlier.

They all were excited though, and they feel the excitement in the hastening of the work.  I feel a responsibility to prepare them that much sooner.  Tomorrow night we will have our lesson out of the Preach My Gospel Manuel, and we will approach it with new vigor.  I feel blessed to live in this days.