Although you wouldn't know it around here, today is Pioneer Day, the 161st anniversary of the day that Brigham Young and the first group of pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. At the very least, I think we owe it to them to stop for a few moments, consider their sacrifice and express our gratitude. Not every pioneer story is one of outstanding heroism or heartbreaking loss. Some of the stories were about simple endurance; putting one foot in front of the other until they arrived at their destination. Some of the stories were about obedience, some about loyalty. Their faith drove them forward and the blessings that we enjoy today are the fruits of that faith. I owe a tremendous debt to my ancestors and hope they are pleased with what I have done with the opportunities they provided me.In my direct line there are 37 people who, along with their families, joined that great march of saints on the trek west between 1846 and 1900. Many of them began their journeys in distant lands; Austria, Sweden, Denmark, and England. Most of them walked away from farms and property-not just once, but over and over again. Many of them buried loved ones along the way. The struggle continued when they reached Utah. They fought crickets, Indians, starvation and the weather. But they also built temples, served missions and built Zion.
Their blood flows through my veins. The blessings that I enjoy today were purchased with every faithful pioneer footstep.
Thank you.
I feel honored to be descended from so many of these fine Saints. For FHE on Monday we watched a movie about the pioneer's trek west and I showed the girls a picture of George Pierce Billings and read them a little about him. I think Abby was especially excited to be related to a real pioneer.
ReplyDeleteMom thank you for your beautiful words. Sadly I forgot all about Pioneer Day this year. We have so much going on in our lives that it slipped my mind. How sad is that? I'm so proud of my pioneer heritage. I know that our ancestors are very proud of what you have done with your life. You are a modern pioneer in many ways.
ReplyDeleteIts so easy to forget or take for granted our pioneer history. We are truly blessed to have descended from such greatness. Thanks to people like Granpa and all his family history work we have many stories to share with our children and grandchildren. Thank you Mom for your words. We are blessed to live in a area so rich in pioneer history. I think I will take the family to the Brigham Young home Monday for FHE.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your words. I am in awe of the pioneers and feel blessed that I have a heritage left by them, but even more so a responsibility to uphold and teach the values they emulated.
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