Is Love Like a Rose?

Is love like a rose

That blossoms and grows,
Then withers and goes
When summer is gone?

"It was only a dance ballad, but it was a question that has been asked through the centuries by men and women who loved one another and looked beyond today into the future of eternity.

"To that question we answer no and reaffirm that love and marriage under the revealed plan of the Lord are not like the rose that withers with the passing of summer. Rather, they are eternal, as surely as the God of heaven is eternal.

"But this gift, precious beyond all others, comes only with a price—with self-discipline, with virtue, with obedience to the commandments of God. These may be difficult, but they are possible under the motivation that comes of an understanding of truth."

"Every man who truly loves a woman and every woman who truly loves a man hopes and dreams that their companionship will last forever. But marriage is a covenant sealed by authority. If that authority is of the state alone, it will endure only while the state has jurisdiction, and that jurisdiction ends with death. But add to the authority of the state the power of the endowment given by Him who overcame death, and that companionship will endure beyond life if the parties to the marriage live worthy of the promise." (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Marriage That Endures,” Ensign, Jul 2003, 2–7)

Our trip to Utah last week for something very special. Chris' youngest sister, Tori, was sealed to her husband, Jon, for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on Wednesday, March 5.

I have known Tori since she was about nine years old and have had the privilege of watching her grow into womanhood. As is the case with all of Chris' sisters, she is very attractive. But as I watched her in the sealing room I was moved at just how beautiful she is. I don't believe I have ever seen her so humble, so demure. Truly, a virtuous woman is more lovely and of far more worth than any jewel.

What a blessing it was to be a witness to the beginning of Tori and Jon's eternal companionship. I am so thankful for their determination and their courage and their willingness to share their day with us.

I know God lives and desires each of us to be together as families. Not just until we are parted by death, but forever.

To learn more about the purpose of Latter-Day temples and eternal families, CLICK HERE.