Reaching Heavenward

Parent Responsibilities

When oxen pull a heavy load, they use what they call a “yoke” this is wooden beam that is placed on a pair of oxen, used to help them balance the weight of the load and to pull in unison. Just like the oxen, parents must be equally yoked in order to fulfil their responsibilities. If one tries to take charge and pull without the help of other oxen, there will be no progress made in reaching their goal of getting to their desired destination with the load. In marriage a husband or wife may try to be the “head of the house” in which case they are practicing unrighteous dominion over their spouse and no eternal progress can be made. Marriage is an equal partnership, each carrying part of the load and working together in all things.

Parents are to be one, one in heart and one in purpose. Fathers and mothers play a very important yet different roles within their family. Fathers are to provide and preside in the home and mothers are to nurture and teach. Each is a divinely appointed role that should be held sacred as we raise our family in love and righteousness.

In M. Russell Ballard’s book, “Counseling With Your Councils” he talks about the special opportunity that we have to council within our callings in the church and more importantly within our homes. We can set aside time to discuss with our spouse about goals we want to finish, and spiritual and temporal matters. This gives us the chance to express our thoughts and opinions and to receive guidance from the Lord. What a great blessing it is that we can receive revelation for our family. Counseling allows us to have open communication with our family and spouse on important matters. Communication is key in building up relationships and it helps us to personally be better husbands and wives when we are talking and valuing our spouse opinion. I’ve seen in my own marriage how counseling together has strengthened us as a couple and the blessings are real and powerful.