perspective

This past week we had two deaths in my ward and another death of a friend. While one death was of a 93 year old man, Tony Vaughn, who was reunited with his wife the other two are tragic. A 17 year old girl, Callie Barney, and and 42 year old husband and dad Rob Verhaaren. I attended the funeral of Tony Vaughn there was laughter and great stories. He had lived a good life and was ready to return home. The other funerals haven't happened yet but I imagine they won't be as full of laughter.
As I have been thinking of these deaths and trying to comprehend our Heavenly Father's plan I attended institute today. Mind you I really didn't want to go to institute. It's been raining in the valley and I really wanted to take Kate to school and come home and read. But I went anyway. I am glad I did. The teacher taught about the Plan of Happiness. As she was teaching it she ask the question "Why do I need to teach this? Don't most of us know this?" A few people responded but one in particular commented on perspective. She said when you look at the diagram that was up on the board you realize how little the earth is and what a little part of the Plan of Happiness it is. I have been taught this before but with these three deaths it really hit me again. We are sent to earth to learn and to grow. To gain a body, have great experiences and have not so great experiences. But the reality is this earth life is short in the whole grand scheme of things. I am glad I was retaught this and hope and pray that the three families who are struggling with their losses can find a little comfort in this knowledge. I am grateful for the Plan of Happiness and that we can be with our families forever. I am grateful to know of the truthfulness of the gospel and all of the comfort it brings to me. Even though I don't understand everything in fact I only understand about and eighth of everything and that might be too much. I do know we will live again and can be with the ones we love again.