Remember This...

Have you ever left an enlightening conference or meeting wishing you could remember every little thing you'd learned? I have.

Over the years I've attended thousands of conferences, symposia, classes and meetings of both a secular and spiritual nature. While I've been uplifted at each of these meetings, I've always left frustrated at my inability to remember every little thing I've learned. In recent weeks I've been to several missionary meetings. These same feelings of frustration return as I quickly forget the details of my spiritual experiences.

We may not be able to remember all things—indeed, we should not be frustrated with ourselves when we don't—but there are a few imperative things we must remember.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf touched on five of these key things—these "forget-me-nots"—in a recent General Conference address—

God is fully aware that we are not perfect. He loves us anyway

1) Forget not to be patient with yourself. God is fully aware that we are not perfect. Many are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself.

2) 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, but we can’t do all of them. Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective.

3) Forget not to be happy now. 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. The happiest people I know are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments.

4) Forget not the “why” of the gospel. When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us the gospel as a 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.

5) Forget not that the Lord loves you. 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. Just think of it: 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!