Never Forget That You Are Truly Precious

We are so blessed as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to have such wonderful leaders to guide and counsel us...to deliver the tender messages of the Lord to us.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf addressed the women at the General Relief Society broadcast on September 24, 2011 ("Forget-Me-Not").  I not going to color-coat my life - in spite of the wonderful blessings I have, I am challenged by mortality and I struggle and yearn for the righteous desires of my heart that have not been granted me.  I make mistakes, and I feel very alone at times and my path gets dark.  I was so very grateful for President Uchtdorf's message.  It is something that I needed to hear, truly a tender mercy from the Lord.  This is what the Lord spoke to my heart:

Be patient with yourself.  It is part of your mortal experience to have weaknesses, but don't forget to look and see your strengths, and how far you have progressed in your mortal journey.  I will help you to eventually turn your weaknesses into strengths - it's a long-term process - it's OK that you're not there yet.  Keep working on it and stop punishing yourself.  Be thankful for the small success - like the tiny forget-me-not flowers - they may seem tiny to you and go unnoticed by others, but I notice them and they are not small to me.  Noticing these tiny successes can be some of life's sweetest experiences.  Find the wonder and delight in every tiny step on your long journey.  I am pleased when you sacrifice good things for something far greater with an eternal perspective.  And don't forget to be happy now.  Your deepest desires and righteous yearnings have not been fulfilled, but don't give up hope in them.  Instead, be happy now with your garden of forget-me-not blessings--discover the treasure and the beauty and the sweetness of everyday moments, and weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder from them.  But never give up on your righteous desires.  Don't forget why you live the gospel - it is your pathway home - it is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before you.  Truly living the gospel is a joy and a delight, sweet and precious.  The what and how of obedience marks the way and keeps you on the path.  The why sanctifies your actions and magnifies your small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration.  You are not forgotten - no matter your circumstances, no matter how dark your days, not matter how insignificant you feel - I have not forgotten you.  I love you with an infinite love.  I, who created the stars in the universe, knows your name - you are a daughter in my Kingdom, you are precious.  I am here loving you even when you feel lonely and make mistakes.  You are closer to heaven than you suppose.  You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine.  Continue on in faith and righteousness. 
Rejoice! For all that was promised...will be given...and Jesus will say to all Israel, Come Home!

 "Now Let Us Rejoice" was the closing song and touched my heart, too.  President Uchtdorf also spoke in General Conference and gave another touching, similar address:  "You Matter To Him."