When I was living in the Dominican
Republic (DR), serving as a missionary for my church, I did not have the
opportunity to talk on the phone regularly with my family and I did not see
them for a year and a half. One day during my first couple of months in the DR,
I felt particularly homesick for my dad. I was tired, missionary work was hard
and it was SO hot. I literally dripped sweat ALL of the time. In this moment of
discouragement, I wanted very much to talk with my dad, to get his advice and
counsel. But this was not an option. It was then that I noticed a scripture on
our apartment wall that reminded me that I had a loving, Heavenly Father that I
could always talk to and turn to through prayer. He was always with me even if
my earthly father could not be. I took great comfort in that knowledge and the
day continued more positively.
God is our loving Heavenly Father. He is
mindful of us. He has a body of flesh and bones and we are created in His image. We are His children. He knows us
perfectly. Because Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to return and live
with Him someday, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us so that we can
live with Him again. Jesus Christ taught us what we need to do in this life to
be worthy to return and live with Heavenly Father and our families after this
life.
Heavenly Father’s love for us is perfect.
It is eternal, kind, and never prideful or self-serving. He rejoices with
us, hopes, bears and endures all things with us. Heavenly Father sees all
things and knows all things. He always wants the best for us.
Since returning from the DR, I have moved SO many times! As I look back at those
many moves, I know that Heavenly Father has been with me every step of the way.
For me, those moves were scary decisions and always threw me out of my comfort
zone. Yet as I look back, I can see the love of Heavenly Father in providing me
opportunities to grow and learn by having me step out of my comfort zone. His
love is perfect.
I invite you to consider the love that Heavenly
Father has for His children. For you, for me, for ALL of us. We can show our
love for Him when we are obedient to His commandments. May we always show our
love for Him, share His love with others and
trust in His love for us. When we do this we will continue to feel His love in our lives, become more like Him, and one day be able to return and live with our Heavenly Father again.
