Monday, March 26, 2012
Lately I've been feeling grateful...
Yesterday in Relief Society we talked about this wonderful talk...
Forget Me Not by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
What an amazing talk for women! He gave 5 things we be wise never to forget.
Some of my favorite parts include;
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"First, forget not to be patient with yourself.
God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.
Let me add: God is fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
It's wonderful that you have strengths.
And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses.
Be thankful for all the small successes in your home, your family relationships, your education and livelihood, your Church participation and personal improvement.
Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
"Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?"
Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective.
Third, forget not to be happy now.
He talks about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the 'golden ticket'.
So many people today are waiting for their own golden ticket- the ticket that they believe holds the key to the happiness they have always dreamed about. For some, the golden ticket may be a perfect marriage; for others, a magazine-cover home or perhaps freedom from stress or worry.
There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings. The problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event- our golden ticket- to appear.
This is not to say that we should abandon hope or temper our goals. Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don't close your eyes and hearts ot the simple and elegant beauties of each day's ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.
The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worth goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy.
Fourth, forget not the "why" of the gospel.
We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why.
My dear sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Heavely Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fultillment in the life to come.
When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet.
Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.
You are not forgotten.
Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstance may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at time you may feel lonely or make mistakes.
The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemtpive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow.
My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in the great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blesses organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord's help.
Please never forget that you must be patient and compassionate with yourselves, that some sacrifices are better than others, that you need not wait for a golden ticket to be happy. Please never foget the "why" of the gospel of Jesus Christ will inspire and uplift you. And never forget that your Heavenly Father knows, loves, and cherishes you."
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
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Wasn't that great?! I LOVE that talk! What powerful words and statements he uses. How true it is!
My thoughts just kept going back to being grateful. That has been something that has really helped me find joy in the journey and to not wish these days away.
I think we all do it. Especially when you're first married, living in a two bedroom apartment. You dream of your future house, what new furniture you want, and how cute your going to decorate. As I've become focused on being grateful for what I have, my wishing has faded.
I'm thankful for all my clothes, my $50 dollar couch, my piano and 50's table. I'm thankful for our TV, entertainment center, for my bed, my camera, my computer, and all my junk! I'm thankful for our jobs and that we can get an education.
Being grateful is powerful and can really change your attitude. Try it.
I love how he talked about the 'golden ticket'. Goes right along with my thoughts. We'll never be happy, if we're waiting for something else...
When I'm in a new house, with the perfect furniture, and it decorated just how I want it, then I'll be happy.
When we make more money, then I'll be happy.
When I have kids and I can stay at home, then I'll be happy.
When I have a perfect marriage, then I'll be happy.
Money doesn't buy happiness. Nothing does. We decide that now.
Even most of the kids that actually got the 'golden ticket' weren't happy! A great example of once those things come, doesn't mean that our happiness will as well.
I'm so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me and teaches me things everyday. I'm thankful for a loving husband who has such a strong testimony of the gospel and tries to improve with me everyday. I'm so thankful for the friends Heavenly Father has given us and for the examples they are and for how much fun we have!
Just last night we watched the movie 17 Miracles. If you haven't seen it, watch it! What a testimony that God lives! What faith those early saints had. I'm forever grateful for their sacrifice, all that they endured, and for their faith.
I know my Savior lives and loves His children. I know He is there watching us and wants the best for us. I know He can't wait for all of us to return to Him someday. I'm thankful for the gospel that reminds me each week of the things that matter most in life. Reminds me why I'm here and helps me know how I can be better. I'm thankful to go each week to be inspired as I was this past week.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is restored and it's so true. Nothing has brought me more peace and comfort.
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