Today Elizabeth had her appointment and learned that we’re having a boy. When we found out, I had this rush of emotion and excitement. Shortly after we moved here to Salt Lake City, both Elizabeth and I felt strong feelings about another member of our family.

At the time I could picture a blonde-haired little boy in a white shirt and Sunday slacks and a vest, ready to go to church. To learn that it was indeed a boy was a tender mercy that meant a lot to me as a father. Those feelings, which I think is manifestation of the Holy Ghost and Light of Christ, begin to forge a bond for me.

As I have spent time with the Family History Department of the Church, we talk a lot about the Spirit of Elijah. For those not of our faith, we use that term to refer to the influence of the Holy Spirit that unites families. It’s named after Elijah, the Old Testament prophet who held the power to seal in heaven what was sealed on earth. We believe that power extends to our families and that as a united family we can be sealed by that power on earth to live together as a family in heaven for eternity.

As I’ve come to understand a little more about the Spirit of Elijah, It’s something that’s not just present when we consider our ancestors or loved ones who have passed on beyond the grave that we want to live worthy to unite with again–it extends the other direction to, as Malachi said in the last chapter of the Old Testament: not just from the children to the Fathers, but the Fathers to the children.

I feel that turning, and I’m grateful for the changes that are happening my life because of it.