The reconciliation of Jacob's family is a powerful example of how ruptures can be healed and peace restored. At the end of his life, Jacob found joy in being with his children and grandchildren. Upon his death, he was gathered in burial with other family members: his parents, his grandparents, and his wife Leah.
Abraham and the Posterity Priority
All of God's promises to Abraham are about family. He promised Abraham land so his descendants would have a home. He promised Abraham the priesthood so that his descendants could bless all the families of the earth. Family is central to God's plan for the happiness of His children.
Strengthening Families
The Family Proclamation ends with a call to action, urging us all to strengthen families. Laws, company policies, schools, neighbors, and extended family can all have a significant impact. It's important for us to see the people around us as members of families and to consider how we are supporting and strengthening those families.
Units of Production or Consumption
President Dallin H. Oaks observed that parental influence has declined as families have evolved from working together to merely living under the same roof. Nephi testified that as his people built a city together, they were happy. Setting shared goals and producing things together builds cohesiveness and unity.
Happiness in Family Life
Leo Tolstoy said that all happy families are alike. The Family Proclamation teaches that happy and successful families turn toward God, help family members change and grow, treat one another with kindness, and participate in meaningful activities together.
Wholesome Recreational Activities
Character is revealed by what we do in our free time. The Book of Mormon and modern prophets warn against idleness and teach that happiness and fulfillment come as we fill our leisure time with wholesome recreational activities.
Strengthening Family Relationships
Malachi prophesied that Elijah would come to prepare the world for the Savior’s return by strengthening families, turning the hearts of parents and children to one another. We help fulfill that promise as we give our time and attention to family, prioritizing those relationships above other goals and pursuits.
“Generations Yet to Be”
Enos prayed for people who would live in the distant future. The Lord answered his prayer, in part, by bringing us the Book of Mormon thousands of years later. As we grow closer to God, our thoughts and prayers turn not only to our ancestors but also to our descendants: "generations yet to be."
Seed
After studying the brass plates, Lehi's thoughts turned to his "seed." His invitation to Ishmael and his tree of life dream were both related to this focus. Like Lehi, we can think about the impact of our current decisions on future generations.
Behold Thy Son! Behold Thy Mother!
As He hung on the cross, Jesus told His mother and the apostle John to "behold" one another. Later, He told a group of Nephites and Lamanites to "behold" their children. When we behold someone, we understand them better and can serve and support them.