All my life I have been surrounded by women who inspired, taught, & encouraged me. You are treasured daughters of our Heavenly Father with infinite worth.
I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but the differences between men & women can often be quite striking—physically, mentally, & emotionally. One of the best ways I can think of to illustrate this is in the way my wife & I cook a meal.
When Harriet prepares a meal, it’s a masterpiece. Her cuisine is as wide-ranging as the world, and she frequently prepares dishes from countries we have visited. The presentation of the food is awe inspiring. In fact, it often looks so beautiful that it seems a crime to eat it. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the sense of taste.
But, no matter how perfect everything is, looks, & tastes, she will apologize for something she thinks is imperfect. “I’m afraid I used a touch too much ginger,” or, “Next time, I think it would be better if I used a little more curry
& 1 additional bay leaf.”
Let me contrast that with the way I cook. For the purpose of this talk, I asked Harriet to tell me what I cook best.
Her answer: fried eggs. Sunny-side up.
But that isn’t all. I have a specialty dish called Knusperchen. The name may sound like a delicacy you might find at an exclusive restaurant. Let me share with you how to make it. You cut French bread into small slices and toast them twice.
That is the recipe! Between fried eggs, even when they are greasy, & Knusperchen, even when they are burned,
when I cook, I feel pretty heroic.
It appears that women sometimes undervalue their abilities—they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are.
The good news is an admirable quality: the desire to please the Lord to the best of your ability. Unfortunately, it can lead to frustration, exhaustion, & unhappiness.
To All Who Are Weary
I would like to speak to those who have ever felt inadequate, discouraged, or weary~I would like to speak to all of us.
We know that sometimes it can be difficult to keep our heads above water. In our world of change, challenges, & checklists, sometimes it can seem nearly impossible to avoid feeling overwhelmed by emotions of suffering & sorrow.
I would like to speak about 2 principles that may help you find a path to peace, hope, and joy—even during times of trial & distress.
Though we cannot understand “the meaning of all things,” we do “know that God loveth his children” because He has said, “Behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”
Heavenly Father is able to accomplish these 2 great goals—the immortality and eternal life of man—because He is a God of creation & compassion. These two objectives contribute to our Heavenly Father’s perfect happiness. Creating & being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can & should emulate.
The Work of Creation
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Everyone can create. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty.
You are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative & eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, & capacity beyond imagination.
We were created with the purpose & potential of experiencing a fulness of joy. Our birthright & the purpose of our great voyage on this earth is to seek & experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.
If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.
Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.
Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space & beautify it.
The more you trust & rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.
Being Compassionate
"We are commanded to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” Those who follow the Savior “mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”
When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles upon those who care for the least of His children.
As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves. President Gordon B. Hinckley believed in the healing power of service. After the death of his wife, he provided a great example to the Church in the way he immersed himself in work and in serving others. He told a woman who had recently lost her husband, “Work will cure your grief. Serve others.”
As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness. While there are times when it is prudent to look first to our own needs, in the long run it doesn’t lead to lasting happiness.
An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord
“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” Often I have witnessed quiet acts of kindness and compassion by noble women who extended themselves in unselfish charity. My heart swells when I hear stories of how they rush to the aid of those in need.
True words of encouragement require only a loving and caring heart but may have an eternal impact on the life of those around you.
Emulate the Savior, by serving others.
I believe that as you are faithful & diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to Him in faith, hope, and charity, things will work together for your good. I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father—as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love. Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment. As spirit daughters of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage.
You are choice daughters of our Heavenly Father, and through the things you create and by your compassionate service, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you. We love and admire you.
Julia, You are my angel.
w Temples.
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