Sanctification in Marriage

It was indeed refreshing to read some pro-sex discussion on the important sacred emotional and physical union of a man and a woman.  This is something that I believe firmly in.  I think President John Taylor said it well:

“We have a great many principles innate in our natures that are correct, but they want sanctifying. God said to man, ‘Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the Earth.’( Genesis 1:28) Well, he has planted, in accordance with this, a natural desire in women towards man, and in man towards women and a feeling of affection, regard, and sympathy exists between the sexes. We bring it into the world with us, but that, like everything else, has to be sanctified. An unlawful gratification of these feelings and sympathies is wrong in the sight of God, and leads down to death, while a proper exercise of our functions leads to life, happiness, and exaltations in this world and the world to come. And so it is in regard to a thousand other things.”

And boy can I think of a thousand other things that need sanctifying.  For those things that I have already committed to God, it is beautifully simple.  Each commandment that we keep, and honor, purifies our souls with a great peace.  I often forget how absolutely blissful it is to enjoy a healthy body, one free from nicotine, alcohol, and other harmful substances.  What a gift we have.  If we choose to honor our body and soul by getting good sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly, we enjoy a multitude of benefits.  If we chose to honor our body and soul by ensuring it gives and receives only the most honest affections within marital vows, the blessings are simply beautiful, the peace indescribable, and the heart full of pure joy.

I wish I was enjoying such a sacred union myself.  Then this would have been easier for me to say.  But I am not.  This week's readings were difficult.  I look forward to the day that I can fulfill my destiny, as President Kimball described, "It is the destiny of men and women to join together to make eternal family units."  I am grateful for the promised blessings of my Father in Heaven and have faith in His timing.