Uchtdorf - A Yearning for Home - October 2017

Elder Uchtdorf speaks about a family who lost their dog on a vacation from Oregon to Indiana.  This dog eventually made its way back from Indiana to Oregon to reunite with the family.  He asks if we have the same desire when we are lost to return to our heavenly home the way this dog returned to its earthly home.

• When I read of this powerful instinct in animals, I can’t help but wonder, “Is it possible that human beings have a similar yearning—an inner guidance system, if you will—that draws them to their heavenly home?”
  

He shares that we all have the light of Christ and that is the first thing that is needed to put us on the path back to our heavenly parents.

• I believe that every man, woman, and child has felt the call of heaven at some point in his or her life. Deep within us is a longing to somehow reach past the veil and embrace Heavenly Parents we once knew and cherished.
  
• Those who do not quench this light within themselves can embark on an incredible journey—a wondrous migration toward heavenly climes.
  

God knows our hearts and our desires to follow Him.  He is also aware of the challenges of life and how hard it can be to keep focused on returning home.  Life's trials cause us to put ourselves down but Elder Uchtdorf reminds us that there is always hope in Christ.

• God knows your every thought, your sorrows, and your greatest hopes. God knows the many times you have sought Him. The many times you have felt limitless joy. The many times you have wept in loneliness. The many times you have felt helpless, confused, or angry.
  
• If you have faltered, failed, feel broken, bitter, betrayed, or beaten—know that you are not alone. God still calls to you. The Savior extends His hand to you. And, as He did to those fishermen who stood long ago on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, with infinite love He speaks to you: “Come, follow me.” If you will hear Him, He will speak to you this very day.

We are all on a personal path of discipleship.  The spirit will confirm that you are making right decisions towards your journey home.

• When you walk the path of discipleship—when you move toward Heavenly Father—there is something within you that will confirm that you have heard the call of the Savior and set your heart toward the light. It will tell you that you are on the right path and that you are returning home.

Elder Uchtdorf gives us two things that will happen as we walk the path of discipleship towards returning to our Heavenly home.  These two things will occur naturally as God's blessings will support our efforts.

• First, your life will be better.
  
  • We embark upon or continue the incredible journey that leads to God, our lives will be better.
  • Following the Savior will not remove all of your trials. However, it will remove the barriers between you and the help your Heavenly Father wants to give you. God will be with you. He will direct your steps. He will walk beside you and even carry you when your need is greatest.
• Second, God will use you to make the lives of others better.
  
  • On your journey back to Heavenly Father you will soon realize that this journey isn’t just about focusing on your own life. No, this path inevitably leads you to become a blessing in the lives of God’s other children—your brothers and sisters. And the interesting thing about the journey is that as you serve God, and as you care for and help your fellowmen, you will see great progress in your own life, in ways you could never imagine.
    
  • How encouraging it is to know, though we are imperfect, if our hearts are turned to God, He will be generous and kind and use us for His purposes.
    
  • Those who love and serve God and fellowmen and humbly and actively participate in His work will see wondrous things happen in their lives and in the lives of those they love. Doors that seemed shut will open. Angels will go before them and prepare the way.
  • No matter your position in your community or in the Church, God will use you, if you are willing. He will magnify your righteous desires and turn the compassionate actions you sow into a bountiful harvest of goodness.

The Light of Christ is the first piece that is needed to start our journey home.  This will spark a desire to learn more, make and keep sacred covenants, and endure through life until the end.

• Our beloved Father in Heaven has given us the Light of Christ. And deep within each one of us, a heavenly stirring urges us to turn our eyes and hearts to Him as we make the pilgrimage back to our celestial home. This requires effort. You cannot get there without striving to learn of Him, understanding His instructions, earnestly applying them, and putting one foot in front of the other.

Our journey home is a personal journey.  We will be supported in our efforts.  But it is our ultimate test of this life for us to get there.

• No one else is responsible for your personal journey. The Savior will help you and prepare the way before you, but the commitment to follow Him and keep His commandments must come from you.

To make the journey easier, the Lord has established His church to provide us support along the way.

• The Lord has established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help you in this commitment to serve God and fellowmen. Its purpose is to encourage, teach, lift, and inspire. This wonderful Church provides opportunities for you to exercise compassion, reach out to others, and renew and keep sacred covenants. It is designed to bless your life and improve your home, community, and nation.

Elder Uchtdorf is so encouraging in his talk about the ability of each one of us to make this journey back.  I was talking this week with my brother about the many issues that I have in my life but I am hopefully that when my journey ends, that with God's compassion, and Christ's mercy, I will find myself in good standing with them.  I know this is possible but I also know that the personal journey for each of us is hard, long, and gives us ups and downs that are hard to work through.  I am grateful we have a ward, stake, and church as a whole that unites us in our purpose of journeying back to our Heavenly Father.  As we all work together, this journey is possible and we can strengthen each others as we move towards returning to our Heavenly Home.