11 years later

While we were in Utah, David and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary. It happened to be the same day that Adam and Jessie got married and in the same temple. Being in the temple exactly 11 years later was a poignant moment for me. It was wonderful being able to witness my brother and his wife make the same sacred promises we made, and it helped remind me what the purpose of marriage is-- to create families.

Julie Beck, the current general Relief Society president recently said, "We believe in the formation of eternal families. That means we believe in getting married. We know that the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. That means we believe in having children." When I first heard her say that I thought it was such an obvious statement. But the more I thought about it I realized the power in her words. Many people today do not believe in marriage or having children, and it is the responsibility of those who do to stand up and defend the truth about families. Little did I know eleven years ago that the decision David and I made to get married was so vast in its consequence. I had somewhat of a selfish outlook about marriage at that point. It was about me and wanting to be with the man I loved forever. But now I realize it was one of the most selfless acts I have ever performed. Getting married allowed David and I to create a new family unit, and when we had our children they were given the privilege of being born into a stable and happy family. What better gift could they be given? Imagine the change in society if all children were given that benefit.

Some may say that marriage is an out-dated and old-fashioned institution. But I can think of few other things that carry such eternal importance. The human family deserves to be linked together by bonds of family, not just friendship or convenience. So, eleven years later I look at that picture of David and I as newlyweds with an entirely different perspective. Instead of us standing alone on those steps, I picture us standing together with all of the generations that our union has and will produce. All because two people fell in love and got married.