A young father cuddling his first-born newborn in preparation of giving the infant a name and a blessing might not fully realize what he holds.

But a tear might come to his eye anyway.

A grandfather helping to hold the same infant, his own "baby" now a grown man, probably has a better idea. And a tear, too, might come to his eye.

But neither knows all.

And both feel an overwhelming sense of love — of child, and from God.

In His earthly ministry, Jesus certainly emanated that love.

"And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

"And when he had done this he wept again;

"And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

"And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them" (3 Nephi 17:21-24).

What mortal, upon reading those verses, can deny the great love our Heavenly Father and His Son have for Their — and our — children?

Surely, no one.

And what mortal, holding an infant in his arms, can deny the sweet innocence — and limitless potential — of that wondrous child?

Surely, no one.

But the mortal road toward that eternal glory is rutted. And though mortal journeys, seemingly so long when viewed with mortal eyes, are but a blip on the eternal time line, they do provide the essential opportunities and experiences necessary to achieve immortal perfection.

How great, then, is the responsibility — first for parents, then with others (including, of course, the child himself) — to ensure that those trekking the path never veer far from it.

The first step of that trek is to be named and blessed, in the name of the Savior, under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:70.)

The words of those blessings come through the influence of the Spirit. Nothing is rote nor automatic. With a sweet child safely in his arms, a righteous father, prepared for this monumental event, will be filled with inspiration, and words will flow. The blessing might include strength to meet life's trials or an affirmation of the Lord's and parents' love for the little one. It might mention receiving the priesthood and bringing souls to Christ through missionary and other service. The blessing could refer to finding a righteous companion who will help navigate mortality, or the value of putting others first — and self last — in serving one's fellowmen. It could promise health to effect that service and power to deflect the temptations of life.

At first blush, congregants listening to that blessing might be a little saddened to realize that these sweet little spirits won't remember the wonderful guidance.

But upon reflection, we should be glad for those — parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings and others — who do hear and understand. For who will nurture, teach and train that child?

The blessing, then, can become a road map for a righteous life. Parents set the standard and chart the course. The child learns and follows, eventually combining those lessons with his own inspiration and agency to deftly navigate what can sometimes be a tricky, if not difficult, course.

Yes, a young father about to name and bless his child might not fully appreciate what he is about to do. But the sweet feelings that flood his soul are a glimpse of a blissful eternity. Though mortal sorrow and pain are inevitable, eternal joy is absolutely guaranteed — to those who love the Lord and walk in His path.