Forget-Me-Not

I thoroughly enjoyed the General Relief Society meeting as well as General Conference!

I loved Pres. Uchtdorf's talk at the General Relief Society meeting on Sept. 24th. I wanted to remind you of what he said. I think it's worth remembering.

"There is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower, which has 5 petals.... I would ask Latter-day Saint women to not forget five things:

"First, forget not to be patient with yourself.... People often spend time and energy comparing themselves to others - usually comparing their weaknesses to others' strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts, because they seem to be less than what someone else does.... Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself.

"Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth.... There are so many good things to do.... Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater, in an eternal perspective.

"Third, forget not to be happy NOW. 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 and worry. There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings. The problem comes when a person puts their happiness on hold as they wait for some future event - or golden ticket - to appear.... The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in the pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments.

"Fourth, forget not the "why" of the gospel. Sometimes, Church members focus on what the Lord wants them to do and how to do it, but forget the why. My dear sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come.... 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.

"Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you! You are not forgotten, sisters, wherever you are and whatever the circumstances. 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.... 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 this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed 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."

"I hope [the little forget-me-not flower] will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet."

This talk reminded me of our many blessings, and of the love that we all share. I'm so proud of each of you and of the way you are raising your families and choosing to be righteous wives and mothers. You inspire me to be better and more faithful.

So, remember:

• be patient with yourself as you are patient with others;
  
• when choosing between something good, better, or best, remember it's best to give up something good for something of far greater worth;
• be happy NOW - pursue worthy goals; discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of everyday moments;
• remember your covenants and commitments to the gospel;
• Heavenly Father LOVES you - on good days and on not-so-good days - no matter what!

And I would add, remember to honor and respect the Priesthood bearers in your homes. They are a vital part of happiness now and in eternity!

Love you all,

xoxo
mom