I am grateful for the priesthood.

It's back-to-school time. Life gets so crazy this time of year. It is so hectic trying to gather school supplies, get your schedule back in order and mentally prep your kids (and yourself) for the new school year. This year, we have the added chaos of returning to school ourselves!!!

We got a phone call the other night from our home teacher. He wanted to know if he could come home teaching and help Lain give the kids their back-to-school priesthood blessings. I had almost forgotten!!! I am so grateful for his diligence in remembering. We really like the kids to have those. I think it's important for them to see that the blessings of the priesthood extend beyond being sick or injured.

They came on Thursday, looking all sorts of snazzy in their shirts and ties. The boys were excited. We visited for a while, then called each boy in for Lain to give him a father's blessing. It was so special. Each one of them received a personal message from their Heavenly Father to bless them throughout the year. What would we do without it? I can't even fathom it!

When the boys were finished, they turned and asked Lain and me if we would like blessings to help us, too. Hmmmm... now there was a thought. We were going back to school. Why not? I sat and listened while Lain received his blessing. It was so comforting. I knew we were doing what our Heavenly Father wanted us to do right now. I know we can make it through these stressful times. Of course, I also know it will not be easy. When it was my turn, I was nervous. I am a private person and really didn't want these people hearing what my Heavenly Father had to say to me. I always cry. I really hate that about myself. But, I knew I had some nerves that needed calming. Lain gave me a very special blessing and I was instantly comforted. Am I still nervous? Yes. BUT, my insides aren't turning inside-out anymore! Baby steps. There were things addressed in the blessing that I hadn't even discussed with Lain yet. I knew this was a message to me from my Father.

Do we even recognize the great opportunities provided to us through the priesthood? I have been thinking a lot about it lately. This is the same priesthood that blessed the lives of so many people in the Bible. We are fortunate enough to have it in our homes! That is amazing! As a member of Christ's church, even if the priesthood is not available to us in our homes, we know someone who can bless our lives through it's power. And those blessings are without number or limits. I have seen miracles in my life and in the lives of many people. Things deemed impossible by the world have been made possible by the power of God.

The boys started school without drama. Lain and I have been trucking right along with our stuff. Would it be possible without receiving blessings? Maybe. But, I know that the peace I have right now could only come through the power of the priesthood and my Heavenly Father's enduring love.