My grandpa is very, very close to dying. Let me tell you what I've gained from this: I have gained an understanding of one of the most beautiful principles of the gospel. I know that my grandpa will live again and that we will be together eternally. I know that Heavenly Father is real and knows his children, loving each one on such a personal level. I know that through Christ's suffering and Atonement, all things shall be perfected. I know that with God all things are possible. I know I can repent and I know that my grandfather will be happy when he graduates.
Advice: The loss of a loved one is hard. Really hard. I mean I haven't even lost him yet, but I still can feel the sadness. The kind of pit in your stomach? The one that never really heals? Yeah, that one. But here's my advice: to those of you who are worried about or are going through this now, pick up your scriptures. They will provide you with so much comfort. The other night I was super distressed about the whole thing. I prayed for comfort from God, and I felt like I should read my scriptures. I picked them up and went straight to Psalms, which is kind of obscure but one of the most peaceful books in the Bible. Only I wasn't just reading this time, I was seriously looking for an answer to my anxiety and despair. Page 722 came up -- and I just couldn't flip the page at all. I couldn't do it. My eyes fell on Psalm 18.
1 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
...
4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me.
6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before him, even into His ears.
SKIPPING DOWN TO VERSE 28
28 For thou wilt light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
That was honestly the most powerful experience of my life. God will bring light to our darkest of hours. He loves us.
Never forget it.
