Friends or family first?

Last October I went home for my cousins wedding in Michigan. Growing up we would see these cousins about once a month and because of the geographical distance they would come to our home approximately once a year. Annually I make it to my brother's place in Colorado, this is usually the best rest and relaxation I receive, but heading home to the midwest was the greatest vacation imaginable! It wasn't so much about whose house we were at, how we were dressed, or even what we were doing! It was spending time with our family, those who in the pre-existence we decided it would be amazing to cherish, love, and come here and help each other make it home.

High school was the beginning of a transitional point in my life, moving to Utah and embracing the gospel of Christ, the mission, other callings, and now, by His Spirit, teaching what I've learned and applied to others; my life is in constant transition and change as I progress to become the whom I am meant to be. For the past few years I've had friends to replace some of the roles of my family members. It was a lot less complicated and who needs the extra drama-I have enough to last through the eternities-exactly that-to last through the eternities! I love my family despite our vast differences and views on politics, religion, and a wide array of things that matter, yet not what matters most. As I have been spending time with my friends and their families I long to be with mine and to promote and atmosphere of loving kindness in these important and supposed eternal relationships.

Those on whom you can rely. One reason I've recognized family must be first: when all is said and done, they are the ones who you can call in times of distress, turmoil, and then in rejoicing and good news! A return to the baptismal covenant-to morn with those that morn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort-the love we must possess for our extended family-that of our Eternal Father-the whole human race. Let's look at this family relationship for a moment: Father sent His Only Begotten Son in the flesh to demonstrate His unconditional love for us. We know there is a mother in Heaven above too. Who are their other children? All of the souls living and growing around us. Do we exhibit the same amount of love and care as our Heavenly Parents and Elder Sibling has for us? How do we emulate these superior beings when with our parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews? What may we do to be better? When do we chose to spend time with them-in times of need, joy, convenience, or in consistency?

I was climbing yesterday with one of my sisters (from and another mister), Olivia Macey (Wright). We talked about the very best of friends last throughout the years, and when you have the opportunity and convenience of seeing them, it is all as if no time has elapsed because what your friendship has been based on-some sort of true principles. You have a relationship of love and the sincerest kind of trust. One void of backbiting, manipulation and pride. Looking back the past 10 years I have been given the most amazing friends-those who lift, build, and encourage me to stand on higher ground. Spending time with them makes me want to love my family more than I already do.

When we get back home-to the place of our spiritual birth I want everyone present to welcome me there! Family is something we make out of what we've been given, friends are those we've chosen to amplify all other relationships and be our angels along the way. God has blessed me with so many angels!