Zoom

Since this Covid-19 situation, and all the challenges of quarantine, it's been tough. It's been hard on the kids, it's been hard on our family. One thing that has helped immensely is the church meetings we have every Sunday with Jason's family and monthly with my family. I am so grateful for the technology that has helped us meet from 4 different states and share our testimonies and study the scriptures together via Zoom.

This last Sunday as we talked and studied together, I had some thoughts that I am certain were coming from the Lord, and I haven't stopped thinking about it so I wanted to blog it before I forget.

As I watched my family on the screen during the Zoom meeting, I kept thinking about how much I miss them all. My heart ached for a hug, and I knew my kids wished to see their cousins in person again. This isn't just because of the quarantine, it's also because we all live so far away from one another that we can't get together. I was filled with gratitude for the chance to visit and share our testimonies over Zoom, and it occurred to me how much our Heavenly Father must miss His children. 

Then, today, my sweet niece sent me a meme that said "Lord I waited to hold my little one on my lap and tell them about you. But since I never had the chance, will you please hold them on your lap and tell them about me?" This was, of course, about the babies that never get to come to Earth. It reminded me of the pain we felt, and the peace we found in knowing we could see that baby again. I remember thinking, at times, that it was a comfort but it was still a challenge to wait for the opportunity to hold my baby.

I can't help but think about how much our Heavenly Father must ache for the opportunity to hold his children, to talk to us, and spend time with us. He is watching us from so far away, hoping for contact in any way. If we could have a Zoom meeting with Him, He would be thrilled! I can imagine the joy and peace we would feel if we could talk to Him like we talk to our friends, teachers, family, and neighbors. 

Whenever I feel an ache for being away from a loved one, or the pain of loss, I can realize how much our Father also aches for us. I am so grateful for my knowledge of the atonement. For a knowledge of the eternal nature of families. For the peace I can find in the Plan of Salvation. I feel blessed to have the technology of Zoom meetings so we can have church in our home, and as I watch my children grow, and struggle and hurt with them through the challenges of life, I feel so incredibly blessed to know that I have a Father in Heaven who loves me beyond my understanding.