A significant date

Today is June 27. It is the 17th anniversary of the Nauvoo temple dedication. And it is the 175th anniversary of the death of the prophet Joseph and Hyrum. We went to a memorial service at the Smith family cemetery. It focused on the words of the hymn A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.  Some of the young performing missionaries took turns singing a verse (each verse sung to a different hymn melody so it didn’t get repetitive) with a spoken message of  Joseph Smith’s words from scripture or letters that emphasized the message of the hymn that when we serve others we are serving Christ. It was a lovely program. We had to leave early to do the afternoon/evening shift and unfortunately we couldn’t go to the evening memorial program at the Carthage Jail. I hate to miss ANYTHING but we ARE here to serve in the temple!  Tonight I went back over to the cemetery. They had candles all over the lawn. It was SO quiet and peaceful to sit there looking at the Mississippi River and think of Joseph and Emma walking this very ground. I thought of all that Joseph Smith did during his 38 years. How can people doubt that he was a prophet. He surely couldn’t have done so much good that continues to bless millions of people if not inspired and directed by God. And Hyrum - what an example of a humble, loyal brother - totally devoted to Joseph and the gospel. I looked at Emma’s grave also and thought about her many heartaches and sacrifices, yet she was faithful and true to Joseph through everything. I used to think a little critically of her for not going west with the pioneers but tonight I wondered if she just couldn’t leave Joseph even in his grave. I have been getting a better understanding of Joseph’s words as he left for Carthage - “ this is the loveliest place and the best people under heaven”.   Oh how I love it here!