Forget Not

Last night was the General Relief Society Meeting for the women of the LDS Church. I was lucky enough to get tickets to attend there in the Conference Center. It is such a sweet feeling to be in the same room as the prophet of God! The meeting was wonderful!

Julie B. Beck spoke about the things that she would like to have her granddaughters know about Relief Society. She reminded us that the purpose of Relief Society is to increase faith and personal righteousness and to care for the poor and the needy. It is to prepare us to make and keep temple covenants and to minister to others like the Savior.

Silvia H. Allred spoke about charity, or the pure love of Christ. She focused on ways we could increase charity: desire, prayer, scripture study and service to our fellowmen.

Barbara Thompson spoke about the joy, peace and protection that come through honoring your covenants.

After the Relief Society General Presidency speaks, a President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke. In the seven years since he was called as an apostle, he has become one of my very favorite speakers. He talked about the tiny forget-me-not flower. President Uchdorf reminded us of five things that we should "forget not":

1- Forget not to be patient with ourselves. Don't compare yourself to others. Our weaknesses can be overcome, but this is a long-term goal and we should celebrate the small successes along the way.

2-Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. Sometimes we commit too much of our time and energy to things that are unimportant. They are not worth the sacrifice. Other things are, of course, worth the sacrifice. Discern carefully what things will be most worth your efforts.

3-Forget not to be happy now. He talked about the children's story of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. When the people heard about the golden tickets, they were so anxious to get one that even a candy bar became a disappointment if it didn't contain a golden ticket. Sometimes we wait for our "golden ticket", the key to the happiness they always dreamed about. There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings, but we should not put our happiness on hold while we wait for that "golden ticket". Don't fail to notice the blessings and be grateful for them now.

4-Forget not the why of the gospel.

"My dear sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us.

While understanding the “what” and the “how” of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the “why.” 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.

Let us not walk the path of discipleship with our eyes on the ground, thinking only of the tasks and obligations before us. Let us not walk unaware of the beauty of the glorious earthly and spiritual landscapes that surround us.

My dear sisters, seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The “what” and “how” of obedience marks the way, yes, and it keeps us on the right path. But the “why” of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration."

5-Never forget that God loves you. Your Heavenly Father will never forget you. He loves you. You are the daughters of His kingdom. Even when you feel lonely or make mistakes, God loves you. 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. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord's help.

Here is a clip of the end of his talk:

If you missed the meeting, or want to watch it again, look here. Next weekend the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It only happens twice a year and is a marvelous opportunity to listen to the prophet and others called of God to help us know His will for us. I can't wait!