The Gift of Family

My third child was born in December.  It had been a somewhat challenging pregnancy for me and as a result we entered the Christmas season with no purchased gifts, no holiday preparations done, nothing ready at all.  I was worried.  But I had a strong feeling in my heart that this little bundle was all the gift that was needed, and  that things that could be made or bought were not the things that held the most value. I wanted to remember that thought. I wanted to hold on to the knowledge that wordly gifts pale in comparison to the miracle of life and family. So, my mom and I made a little gift box and tag and had my baby's picture taken in it in the living room as a permanent reminder that our family, and more specifically, our children are a gift from our Heavenly Father.

As I read through the Family Proclamation this month  I thought about this picture and about what I have that really matters. I thought about the glorious gift of family and I read this line....

"We affirm the sanctity of human life and it's importance in God's eternal plan....."Children are an heritage of the Lord (Psalms 127:3)

and "Family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of his children"

My family is one of the best gifts that I have ever been given, they are a part of the Creator's plan for me, they are His blessing to me. So, today I will recommit to recognizing my children, my parents, and my spouse and all of our other family members as a gift too great to be purchased and too precious to not appreciate.

How have your children or your family been a gift in your life?