A few days ago Hank and I experienced the joy of welcoming our first great grandchild into our family. She's a beautiful, healthy baby girl to be named Kathryn. As I held this precious little one in my arms, the first of a new generation, I was overcome by emotion; this was indeed a moment to savor.

Other significant “firsts” in our family came to mind. I pictured the first ancestors on my side of the family to embrace the gospel, establishing a legacy of faithfulness before the Lord that is blessing hundreds. I thought of my husband, Hank, as a teenager in Amsterdam during the aftermath of World War II and the first in his family to join the Church. Others have followed. I'll remember forever the joy that was mine as I held my own baby for the first time. Then there was rejoicing over our first bride and our first missionary son. Our firstborn grandchild, Emily, brought a wonderful new dimension to our family. I was thrilled to be a grandmother.

As this nostalgic mood continued to wash over me, I thought of many other “firsts” and events of significance over the past years. I spent a few moments in contemplation, considering the part they have played in helping us as a family along the path toward everlasting joy.

The advent of a new generation in our family combined with the beginning of a new year has brought me to a point of serious introspection. I am struck by the thought that we mark time not only by events, but also by the passage of time, which can be measured by our personal progress. How am I, myself, doing? Hopefully a little bit better each year. Is my resolve to love the Lord, my God, with all my heart, mind, and soul, and my neighbors as myself, growing stronger year by year? How much more work is there for me to do before the principles of faith, hope, and charity define my life? As a mother, grandmother, and now a great grandmother, am I doing all I possibly can to help nurture each of my loved ones toward eternal life?

What does the future hold? I'm reminded of the fact that there are new beginnings, today and every day. Today is the first day of the rest of my life. What is the projection for the years ahead? In a fallen world, I am profoundly grateful to know that the battle was won two thousand years ago, that the victory is assured. Further peace is mine through specific reassurances that were given in our last General Conference, October 2008:

* Elder Jeffry R. Holland stated:

Little Kathryn is blessed to be born of goodly parents who will teach her to pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord, and to follow the prophet. Therefore, she'll be able to safely navigate the rough waters of the last days with faith, rather than fear, in her heart.