Heaven on Earth

About two years ago I was struggling with the idea of becoming active again in my faith. Deep down I knew what I needed to do to make things right in my life. Being full of pride and feeling ashamed I was reluctant to change my ways but could feel the love of my family around me. I knew they prayed and pleaded for my return to the gospel. A series of events and testimonies inspired me to make the hard but right choices.

One Sunday morning I awoke from a beautiful dream. I was on a frozen pond gliding along the ice. The images were serene and familiar. Being raised in Northern Idaho made this a pleasant reminder of fond childhood winter's. I held onto the peaceful feeling of the dream throughout the morning. My mother humbly approached me and asked if I would like to attend church with her today since she was speaking in Sacrament meeting. The courage in my mothers voice made it impossible for me to turn down her request.

As my mother eloquently spoke on the power of prayer she began to recall one of her own childhood experiences. She described a beautiful white winter day as she skated across Coeur 'd Alene Lake. Alone and pondering she thought to herself "I wonder if there is iceskating in Heaven." Having been blessed with the gift of inspiration from a young age my mother received on impression in her mind saying, "what do you think this is?"

She went onto tell of how she had spent years praying for the return of a wayward child and through her faith that child had returned home. My mother had not told me about the contents of her talk prior to her giving it in that Sacrament meeting and I had not revealed my dream.

The peace I was feeling was a meek attempt of the spirit to speak to my stubborn heart. My idea of Heaven is one that includes my family and all of the fondest memories we have made together. Our appreciation for God's creations including each other is what allows our 'homes to be a Heaven on Earth'. My mothers faith in Heavenly Father's power and the familiar imagery she used reminded me of the happiness that comes with being together. It reminded me that there is nothing that I want more than to be with my family for eternity.