Loving Christ

Elder Holland remarked that the phrase, "Be of good cheer," should be thought of as a commandment --one that is "almost universally disobeyed" even by those who are righteous individuals. John Bytheway further elaborated something along the lines of, "you mean we hurt the Savior's feelings" when we don't feel comfortable in His care? To me these quotes are not meant as rebuke (and I certainly hope you don't read them that way), but more as a reminder of how much the Savior loves us and wants us to be happy. Sometimes life isn't happy or good and we have to settle for a more eternal happiness, but there is still happiness.

My favorite images of the Savior are ones where He is hugging a child because of how tender, loving, and warm they are. I look at this image and can't help but feel loved and feel comfortable in the care of a God who hugs me with that kind of love.

“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” - Albert Einstein

Have you ever missed a day of scripture reading or forgot to pray? What about praying just to check the daily box? In the Book of Mormon we are taught that “God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.” (Moroni 7:8-9) We have all experienced the checkbox mentality at some point, and we have also experienced falling short from time to time. Let us remember that it is ultimately our character that Christ cares about. In our shortcomings we have the opportunity to try again, proving our resolve to follow Christ and repent. At the last day the heavenly accounting of our life will not likely ask us about how many prayers we offered, but rather how much prayer has meant to us throughout our life. We will not be asked how many verses of scripture were read over the years, but rather how over the years those scriptures have gained new meaning. Take a moment today to reflect on what things really count in bringing you closer to Jesus Christ, and then commit to improve in one of those areas. As you do, your relationship with Christ will bring you more peace, joy and hope from day to day.