Service Brings Me Joy!

As I read in Helaman 9:12 how Nephi “. . . did not go unto his own house, but did return unto the multitudes who were scattered about . . . and began to declare the word of the Lord. . .”, I could not help but think of President Monson and his entire life as a “rescuer”.  I’ve often wondered how that worked with his family.  Reading his history makes it very clear that he was an instrument in the Lord’s hands for good wherever he went.  If he received an impression to visit someone, he went without delay.  He was a wonderful example of service for all of us.  But how did that play out in his family’s life? 

I wonder how I would have dealt with the endless hours of keeping the home fires burning while my husband was gone in service.  President Monson adored his wife and missed her terribly after her death.  So they did have a home life.  Nephi probably did as well.  We know he had children. 

I don’t really know where I’m going with these thoughts this morning.  Am I patient in my husband’s time away from home as he serves?  Actually, I always have loved it when he had a calling that required his time.  Somehow, that was a comfort to me.  I find joy when he awakes early on a Sunday morning to attend a meeting when I know darn well, sleeping on a Sunday morning is nirvana for him.  Perhaps it wasn’t much different for Nephi’s wife and Sister Monson as well.