Appreciating What We Have

The world has changed so much in the 57 years I have been alive.  The conveniences and comforts of life are today are unreal when compared with what has available in 1959, the year I was born.

President Dieter F Uchtdorf, 2nd counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in an address in the General Conference of the Church two weeks ago said this:

"Taking for granted our modern technologies and conveniences may be a relatively small matter. But, sadly, we sometimes take a similar attitude toward the eternal and soul-expanding doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the Church of Jesus Christ, we have been given so much. We are surrounded by such an astonishing wealth of light and truth that I wonder if we truly appreciate what we have.

Think of those early disciples who walked and talked with the Savior during His earthly ministry. Imagine the thanksgiving and reverence that must have flooded their hearts and filled their minds when they saw Him risen from the tomb, when they felt the wounds in His hands. Their lives would never be the same!

But most of all, think of how you felt when for the first time you believed and understood that you are truly a child of God; that Jesus Christ willingly suffered for your sins so that you may be clean again; that priesthood power is real and can bind you to your loved ones for time and for all eternity; that there is a living prophet on the earth today. Isn’t that wonderful and amazing?

Considering all of this, how could it ever be possible that we of all people would not be excited about attending our Church worship services? Or get tired of reading the holy scriptures? I suppose this could be possible only if our hearts were past feeling to experience gratitude and awe for the sacred and sublime gifts God has granted us. Life-changing truths are before our eyes and at our fingertips, but sometimes we sleepwalk on the path of discipleship. Too often we let ourselves be distracted by the imperfections of our fellow members instead of following the example of our Master. We tread a path covered with diamonds, but we can scarcely distinguish them from ordinary pebbles."

As I reflect on what on my life I can easily identify with what President Uchtdorf is pointing out. I have been guilty of simply going through the motions without taking the time or effort to fully comprehend and consider what I can do to more fully enrich my life and help others in the process. My hope and prayer is that I may do more in my life with all that has been given me to help assist others to find their way to the path that leads to Christ.

Click here to watch or read all of President Uchtdorf's talk: O How Great the Plan of Our God

Submitted by:  James Tanner