"As you participate in temple and family history work, you are certain to have the Spirit to comfort you in your challenges and guide you in the important decisions you are making."—Julie B. Beck, "This Is Your Work", Liahona and Ensign, February 2012
I'm sharing this quote as I think about the past year and the challenges I have faced. I have not worked on genealogy with the diligence I have given it in other times. But yesterday as I was helping a friend with some of her family history, I was reminded of how many blessings have come my way through researching my ancestry and the love I have for these people - most I have never met. I have been called to do this work. I may be the only one in my generation who hears that call. I may be the only one in many generations who hears the call and does the research. I have my own family lines, my husband's family lines, as well as my eldest daughter's family lines (my ex-husband) to research. Inspiration through the Spirit has led me to research one name or another. It is a very exciting and rewarding experience.
I have felt the Lord's hand guide me in genealogy research, as well as in my day-to-day life. The sweetest feeling is to hear Him say, "It will be okay." Even when I do not know HOW it will turn out to be "okay", it always does. When there are mistakes made in my research or people have taken my research and assigned it incorrectly, I get frustrated, but I trust that God knows what child belongs to each family, and the effort is rewarded. He will set things right.
There will come a day when all of the books will be opened. The records will be available to track my ancestors across the Atlantic and to connect them to their ancestors in their homelands. I have faith that when it is necessary, the Lord will bless US with the knowledge we need.
Until that time, I will keep searching and researching for my ancestors. Please, don't forget the maternal lines. Mothers are important, too! :-)
Dece Gherardini
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