What Do You Value Most? Your Family?
Image source: Pinterest
I recently attended the funeral of a man from our church who was warm, compassionate, funny, and a pillar of strength in our little community in Cody, Wyoming. He was only sixty-six years old when he died. He and his beautiful wife were the parents of eleven children, all of whom are now adults, except the youngest who is a senior in high school. While his illness and sudden death were a shock to everyone, his family created a spirit of joy as they celebrated his most interesting and diverse life, along with his many accomplishments, at his funeral service that was attended by hundreds of people from all walks of life.
As the pallbearers carried this good man’s casket from the chapel, I was surprised by the hymn that was being softly played on the organ. This was a song I’d never heard at a funeral service before. As I listened to the melody and thought about the lyrics, I realized that this song expressed what this man valued most in his life—his family. In my mind, it was a tribute to his wife and the eleven children whom they had lovingly and conscientiously raised together.
The song, “In Our Lovely Deseret,” was written by Eliza R. Snow, who didn’t have children of her own, but she understood how precious children are and the need to teach them well. As you read the lyrics and listen to the music of this song, I hope you’ll desire to help all the children who are within your circle of influence to learn and practice all the virtues taught in this song. The catchy tune of the music, written by George F. Root, along with the positive lyrics, can be as influential today as it was when it was written in the 1800’s.
In Our Lovely Deseret
VERSE 1
In our lovely Deseret,
Where the Saints of God have met,
There’s a multitude of children all around.
They are generous and brave;
They have precious souls to save;
They must listen and obey the gospel’s sound.
CHORUS
Hark! Hark! Hark! ’tis children’s music—
Children’s voices, oh, how sweet,
When in innocence and love,
Like the angels up above,
They with happy hearts and cheerful faces meet.
VERSE 2
That the children may live long
And be beautiful and strong,
Tea and coffee and tobacco they despise,
Drink no liquor, and they eat
But a very little meat;
They are seeking to be great and good and wise.
CHORUS
Hark! Hark! Hark! ’tis children’s music—
Children’s voices, oh, how sweet,
When in innocence and love,
Like the angels up above,
They with happy hearts and cheerful faces meet.
VERSE 3
They should be instructed young
How to watch and guard the tongue,
And their tempers train and evil passions bind;
They should always be polite,
And treat everybody right,
And in every place be affable and kind.
CHORUS
Hark! Hark! Hark! ’tis children’s music—
Children’s voices, oh, how sweet,
When in innocence and love,
Like the angels up above,
They with happy hearts and cheerful faces meet.
VERSE 4
They must not forget to pray,
Night and morning every day,
For the Lord to keep them safe from every ill,
And assist them to do right,
That with all their mind and might
They may love him and may learn to do his will.
CHORUS
Hark! Hark! Hark! ’tis children’s music—
Children’s voices, oh, how sweet,
When in innocence and love,
Like the angels up above,
They with happy hearts and cheerful faces meet.
Text: Eliza R. Snow, 1804–1887
Music: George F. Root, 1820–1895
Hymn #307. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Our family is our most important treasure. Teach your children the religious doctrines and moral principles you believe in so they will have a clear vision of how to live their own lives, which they can pass on to their own children someday.
When it is our time to move on to the next life, we will be most concerned about the spiritual and emotional legacy we have left our family. Take time today to cherish your spouse and your children. Express your love. Show your love through your actions. Always value your family.