This is a talk I will never forget; that I will memorize and quote over and over in my head. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, at the general relief society meeting, used this little flower as a metaphor. The five petals of the little forget-me-not flower will help us to remember 5 principles we would be wise never to forget.
1. Forget not to be patient with yourself.
We should not compare ourselves with others. The Lord knows that we are not perfect and those whom we think are perfect, are not. I have never been more insecure about myself as I am now, as a mother. It is hard not to compare myself with all the other great mothers I know. I am privileged to know them and surround myself with so many great mothers. There are so many controversial topics when it comes to parenting, I have to remind myself often that the only opinion that really matters is my Heavenly Father's.
2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
"Every person and situation is different, and a good sacrifice in one instance might be a foolish sacrifice in another.
How can we tell the difference for our own situation? We can ask ourselves, 'Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?'"
Josh is so good at helping me keep it simple. He brings me back down to earth when my mind starts to float into the clouds a little. I am so grateful that he can lovingly tell me when something maybe a foolish sacrifice.
3. Forget not to be happy now.I am happy. I am so blessed but, on a daily basis I can't help but think, "Oh when Josh is done with school..." Over the last couple years I have had progressive moments where I feel like I am becoming me again. It's been a journey, not one that I really recognized until a particular moment. For example: it wasn't until after Grant was born that I realized I never sang anymore. Those of you who know me understand this is a huge part of who I am. I love music. It was a family joke growing up that there was a song to say anything and we would often sing sentences. When even sang "Amen" at the end of our family prayers. I remember it being awkward at first to start singing all of a sudden to my children and at first Benson did not like it. It wasn't long though before I would hear him singing his own little made up songs and it made me so happy. Moments of laughing so hard I cried, dancing crazy and not caring who saw, or not being insecure anymore. I don't think I suffered from depression. I think life was just challenging and getting used to being a mom was exhausting. I was always tired. Everyday is better and I love celebrating the little moments each day.
4. Forget not the “why” of the gospel.
"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."
It is all worth it. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ so much. It makes perfect sense and now that I have tasted of its sweet fruits I cannot give it up.
5. Forget not that the Lord loves you.
"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."
Doesn't that just ring in your ears, water your eyes, and swell in your heart? That is because it is true.
If you missed out on this beautiful talk you really should read/watch/ listen to it here: "Forget Me Not": Pres Uchtdorf
It is so powerful.
