My Boys (Deacons)

To My Boys
I’ve had the joy and privilege of working with you in scouts and deacons for about seven years. Once someone comes into our troop or quorum, they become my own son. Once that happens, you are my son for life. I worry about you, pray for you, and have you on my mind like I do my own children. During this time with Gracie, I’ve had many of my sons write cards, emails, and even a blog comment. I love these and cherish them. More importantly, I know my sons are praying hard for my family, and it’s been a sustaining force.

I wanted to write this specifically to my boys and make sure they understand what’s happening, and what we’re praying for. As you already know, prayers are truly heard and answered. What becomes confusing is when what we pray for something and it doesn’t come to fruition. Does this mean when we fast and pray that our prayers aren’t heard or answered? My resounding answer to this is no. Take my little Gracie for example, she has had thousands of prayers on her behalf. Many of which asking that she would be healed and recover. Special fasts have been made also asking for this.
However, you need to know when I’ve prayed and fasted and talked with Heavenly Father, my prayers have always been that Gracie will know she is loved, watched over, and that if the time comes that she is called back home, that my family will be able to handle this and grow closer because of it, and that we will have the spirit, and that we’ll be comforted. Gracie will surely be in a happier place if she’s called back home, it’s those of us left behind that are sad. We want only to have Heavenly Fathers will to be done. Selfishly, as her Father, I want her to stay and be with our family. But most importantly, I want her to be safe and protected and to be held in loving arms, whether it’s my arms, or heavenly fathers.
These prayers have been heard and answered, sometimes we get to understand right away what the answer is, and why, other times we may have to wait for a long time to understand how those prayers were answered.
Please keep praying for baby Gracie and my family, those prayers are being heard and answered.
I love you, pray for you, and hope you’re making choices in your life that will bring you closer to Heavenly Father. I had a visitor come last night and tell me that he wishes he had been making choices in his life that would allow him to better feel the spirit that is here in Gracie’s room. My heart broke when hearing this. I would hope and pray none of you become so far removed from Heavenly Father that you will ever utter these words. He loves you, you are his chosen and special children sent to earth at this time for a special purpose. He’s mindful of you and is preparing you for great things in this life. The Atonement is real, and the Savior knows your potential as do I.
Love Brother Gledhill!