Uchtdorf - Forget Me Not - October 2011

President Uchtdorf talks about a small and insignificant flower that is often overlooked because it isn't anything fancy or isn't as popular as others.  The forget-me-not flower has five petals and he talks about five things that are important to remember.

• The five petals of the little forget-me-not flower prompt me to consider five things we would be wise never to forget.
  

First, forget not to be patient with yourself.

• God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect. Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not. And yet we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their 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.
  
• 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. God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It’s OK that you’re not quite there yet. Keep working on it, but stop punishing yourself.
  
• Many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself.
  

He reminds us that our journey is long in life, but we should find enjoyment in this journey.

• Our journey toward perfection is long, but we can find wonder and delight in even the tiniest steps in that journey.
  

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.
  
• Our 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.

• There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings—we hope and seek after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.”  The problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event to appear.
  

We need to live today to find happiness in our current situations.  We all have hopes and dreams that can't become reality at this time.  Remembering to find joy now will help us find contentment in whatever situation we are in.

• If we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us. 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 to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.

Fourth, forget not the “why” of the gospel.

• In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why.
  
• 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.
  
• The “what” and “how” of obedience mark the way and keep us on the right path. 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.

Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.

• You are not forgotten. Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances 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.
  
• 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! He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name—you are the daughters of His kingdom.
  

We should always remember that God loves us simply because He is our Father.  He knows we are not perfect, and provided us a Savior.  He knows we have shortcomings, and yet, he continues to bless us so we can find the strength to help others along their journey.  He encourages us to not get down about our mistakes but to find courage and strength in what we do have and what we can accomplish.

• God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes. The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive 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 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.
  

President Uchtdorf ends with this hope for us.

• There is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower. I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet.
  

Although this was given to the sisters of the church, we all would be wise to remember these things in our lives.  We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father who loves us.  He has a plan for us that simply is to bring us joy and happiness in this life and the life to come.  Our journey to this happiness is happening now and we should look for things that being us joy and happiness with an eternal perspective.