I was reading a talk that Elder Bednar gave in the Dominican Republic (not sure when it was given), and a few things stood out to me that I wanted to share. The talk was about eternal families, and finding your eternal companion. Here are a couple of parts that really stood out. . .
“Don’t let the world cause you to needlessly delay marriage,” Elder
Bednar counseled. “Don’t be foolish or premature either, because the
decision to marry may be the most important decision you will make in
your life. Do not be afraid; remember faith casts out fear and
recognize that, in this world, faith will be required as you take this
significant step. As you honor your covenants and appropriately seek
for an eternal companion, you can receive guidance and direction and
continue your progress.”
“Some young people seem to have a shopping list of characteristics they
want in a companion and measure their potential: ‘Do you have all the
things that I require?’ If you hope to have an eternal companion who
has certain spiritual qualities, then you must strive to develop those
spiritual qualities in yourself. Then someone who has those qualities
will be attracted to you.
I think what he says here is SPOT ON. I love that he says to not "delay" marriage. I feel like Mormons take a lot of heat when it comes to getting married young. I mean, obviously I feel like it can be a good thing b/c I got married at 20, which I thought would never happen, but I 'm glad it did. I have talked to people before who are early 30's and not married, and have told me that they regret not pursuing a relationship in their early 20's. Why they didn't pursue it was for several different reasons...finish school, travel abroad, "other plans," etc... Of course there are things that I wish I would've been able to do while going to college, but I'm glad that I found my companion, and that we are able to grow together. Watching Tyler go through the whole dental school process has made us stronger as a couple. It's good for us... when he graduates (4 to 8 years...AAHH!) it'll mean so much more to me since I was with him through the whole thing.
I also love that he talks about a "shopping list." I definitely had a "shopping list," but I think every girl in Young Women's had one. I probably had 10...who knows. There were things on that list that were SO dumb, and if I would've stuck to that list, I would probably never get married. That doesn't mean I lowered my expectations, it just means that I snapped into reality.
Lastly, I like where he talks about being what you want in somebody, meaning, if you're a bum, you're going to attract a bum. I remember seeing what were described as "hott" guys around, and wondering why they were always attracted to stupid, fake-looking girls. Well, turns out, they were either stupid or the only thing they had going for them was their looks.
Anyway, I ramble, I know, but I really liked these quotes, and thought I would share :) PS, I found the link to the talk on NieNie's blog, which is great in itself.
