Thursday Thought

Just a disclaimer, this thought is coming straight from the book of Megan, so take it for what it's worth. ;)

I visited with an incredible friend this past week. She has been through a lot in her life and has managed to come out of it stronger, wiser, and with a truly remarkable attitude. As she was telling me some of the incredibly good things that have happened to her lately, I couldn't help but think that she was being watched over, protected and strengthened from a place beyond this world. As she spoke, I could feel how much love our Heavenly Father had for her. I could sense how amazing her spirit was and I knew without a doubt that she is one of our Heavenly Father's chosen daughters. I felt honored to know her and be her friend. And I knew she was being cared for and protected in her life because she was trying her hardest to do what was right.

And as I sat there just feeling how much love I felt for her, and that our Heavenly Father also felt for her, I knew that He holds the same love for each of us. He knows us. He knows our trials and our tribulations. He knows what we've been through. He wants us to make the right decisions, but even if we don't, He loves each and every one of us unconditionally. Sometimes because of where we're at in life, or because of some decisions we've made, we don't understand how He can love us that much and we often feel unworthy of His love.

But looking at this friend, I felt how strongly she was loved and I started to believe that He might possibly love me just as much too. This is something I still struggle with, but this week I came a little closer to comprehending it.

Elder Anthony D. Perkins said this:

"...see yourself as a precious child of a loving Father in Heaven. Our children with confidence sing, “I am a child of God, and he has sent me here.” Little children feel and know what perhaps you have forgotten. You are the beloved son or daughter of Heavenly Father, created “in his own image,” and of immense value—so much so that Jesus Christ gave His life for you.
God the Father is merciful and has infinite love for you despite your faults. "

Anthony D. Perkins, “‘The Great and Wonderful Love’,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 76–78