A Patriarchal Blessing

Brandt had the marvelous opportunity to receive his patriarchal blessing today. Brandt is so good. He has a strong desire to do what's right. He's making good choices, he's trying to keep the commandments, and he's following Christ. It makes my heart happy. He is our beloved son in whom we are well pleased. 

We all went fasting to see the patriarch, Brother Hansen. We had a lovely visit with him and his wife and then received excellent counsel about our blessings. Brother Hansen encouraged us to read them often and prayerfully. He also told us that the blessings are for this life and the next, and that they are not the only things our Heavenly Father wants to bless us with. Additional blessings are always possible as we continue to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The blessing was beautiful. I cried through the whole thing. I think Brandt did too. We had a not-so-funny moment in the middle of the blessing, however. Brother Hansen had asked if our phones were turned off so as not to interrupt the spirit. Kent and I had left ours at home, and Brandt assured us his was turned off. Turns out, Brandt's phone was on silent, but that doesn't effect the alarm, and in the middle of the blessing, the alarm, playing "Back in Black," went off.  [insert motherly eye roll]

Brandt came away feeling reconvinced of the need to serve a mission. I was comforted in the promise that he would be able to support a family. We were all grateful for patriarchal blessings and to feel our Heavenly Father's love.