The Ward Family

This past Sunday was one of the most spiritual Sabbaths I have had. All church meetings were cancelled, but it was incredible to see so many people working together to help each other out. And I noticed a pattern: everybody started at the widows' homes, and then branched out from there. Our recently divorced neighbor came out to shovel, but a couple of neighbors rushed over there with their snowblowers to take control.
Working together got me thinking about all the times we've called upon neighbors to help us out in emergencies: Joel getting stitches; Ava's birth; Joel getting stitches; Joel with croup; monthly temple attendance; conflicting meetings for Ashlee and I. We love being a part of a church where helping your neighbor is a covenant responsibility (see Mosiah 18:8-9).
In last October's General Conference, Bishop Edgley noted:

The ward is organized to minister to the needs of those who face even the most difficult and heartbreaking trials. The bishop, often considered the “father” of the ward, is there to provide counsel and resources. But also close at hand are Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood leaders, the Relief Society presidency, home teachers, visiting teachers, and the ward members—always the ward members. All are there to administer comfort and show compassion in times of need.

Frankly, it's exciting to know that no matter where we call home, we will always have family.