Peace

I wonder how Mary, the mother of Jesus felt as she was told of her magnificent role in our Father's plan. She must have been overwhelmed with emotion and the reality of what her calling would bring. And in a way, I think all mothers go through the same emotions. Excitement and a deep sense of gratitude for the ability to carry a precious child of God. Joy in pondering the memories she will have of her child growing and how she will teach and love and watch as that child learns to walk and to read and to love others. But not many mothers think about the emotions that come should one of their children pass away. The heartache Mary must have felt knowing that her son, Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world would one day die was surely immense. But knowing of His divine role for each of us on this earth, and knowing His sacrifice was one of love, Mary must have been given peace. The kind of peace that "passeth all understanding".

It is that same peace that came to us as we welcomed our daughter, Lucy Mae Davis, to this earth and to our family on December 10th. And it was that same peace that allowed us to say goodbye to her. Her spirit graced our lives for only an hour, but that was all we asked for, and all we needed. Lucy's spirit touched so many, and has given us the opportunity to appreciate not only the sacrifice of Mary, but the sacrifice of our Father in Heaven who allowed his Son to suffer and die that we could all return to live with him.

Amidst all the emotions of this time comes a great peace. It is a peace difficult to describe to those who haven't experienced it. One friend asked me if I thought I'd see Lucy again. And I was able to say without a doubt that I know I'll see her again! As I walked away from the funeral service at the cemetery and looked one last time at Lucy's small casket I realized I really do have a testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Lucy's small three pound seven ounce body was there, but it was okay because she wasn't there. I anxiously await the time when I will be able to tell her how much I love her, and to thank her for whispering of that sweet peace that is beyond my comprehension, that peace that comes from the Prince of Peace.