Like almost everyone I know, I've been good at writing in my journal sometimes—and really bad at other times. However, I'd love to read my ancestors' journals, and what they experienced could guide me through my trials. Unfortunately, I don't have those records. I have determined that my children and grandchildren will. Not only will I write daily in my journal, but the entries won't be emotion-driven; I want them to be records of my spiritual growth and reliance on the Savior.
Elder John H. Groberg, a former member of the Quorum of the Seventy, has said about journals:
“There is something eternal in the very nature of writing, as is so graphically illustrated by the scriptures themselves. In a very real sense, our properly written histories are a very important part of our family scripture and become a great source of spiritual strength to us and to our posterity” (Writing Your Personal and Family History).An article in the Ensign titled "My Journal, My Testimony" was very inspiring to me. The writer had kept a journal since the 1980s and filled over 38 volumes. In the article, she lists blessings she has found because of her habit:
1. A written family record of details that are a practical source of informationThose are blessings that I want. More importantly, though, I want my journals to become scripture to my posterity. I want them to know that it's okay to mess up—as long as you pick yourself back up. I want them to know that they can turn to Christ for peace and forgiveness.
2. A clearer, richer memory of the past
3. A practical method for setting goals, tracking progress, and following through on commitments.
4. A therapeutic means for resolving emotional, social, and spiritual issues
5. Improved writing skills
6. Realization of righteous desires
7. A form of personal scripture that records inspiration and revelations
If I keep a journal, maybe my life will be hard—but theirs might be a little bit easier. And that would be worth it.
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