Two Marriages, Two Legacies — One Lesson for Us All

This week, I found myself reflecting deeply on marriage—the kind of love I want to nurture and the legacy I hope to leave behind.

Recently, the world witnessed two endings of remarkable marriages: the passing of Charlie and Erika Kirk’s union, and the earthly end of President Russell M. Nelson’s marriage to his beloved wife, Wendy Watson Nelson. Both stories carry profound lessons about love, faith, and the quiet daily choices that define a relationship.

Each of these marriages, in their own way, remind us that our marriages are our greatest stewardship—a sacred trust to cherish, protect, and nurture with kindness and unity every day.

The truth is, none of us know how long our marriage will last here on earth. Life is fragile. We might be blessed with decades together—or our time could be shorter than we imagine. But when it ends, we can’t go back and rewrite the words we said, the grace we withheld, or the forgiveness we postponed.

What remains is the marriage we built—day by day, choice by choice.

Here’s what stood out to me this week:

• Every marriage will one day have a last conversation, a last embrace, a last “I love you.”

• Great marriages aren’t made in grand gestures—they’re built in the quiet, ordinary moments.

• Love grows when we speak gently after disagreement, when we forgive quickly, and when we choose to let go of scorekeeping.

• Holding onto the big picture—eternal love and partnership—frees us from getting lost in small frustrations.

As we approach General Conference, I invite you to take one inspired question about your marriage into your prayers and into the messages you hear.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• “Lord, help me see my spouse through Your eyes.”

• “Help me have a softer, kinder voice in my home.”

• “Help me let go of resentment and forgive.”

• “Help me know how to build a marriage my children can look up to.”

Because the Savior is your partner in this journey. His Atonement is real—not just for your personal healing, but for your marriage too. He can soften hearts, heal wounds, and help you see your spouse with renewed love and compassion.

💡 Marriage Challenge:

Write down one inspired question for your marriage this week. Take it into Conference. Listen. Reflect. And then act on the promptings you receive.

You have more influence than you realize in shaping the kind of marriage you’re building. It’s worth every bit of effort and faith you pour into it.