“We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey. Likewise, we cannot fully love our fellowmen if we do not love God, the Father of us all. The Apostle John tells us, ‘This commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.’ We are all spirit children of our Heavenly Father and, as such, are brothers and sisters. As we keep this truth in mind, loving all of God’s children will become easier.” Thomas S. Monson

It’s been a rough week. I’ve wondered if I should just skip writing today; I’ve skipped a lot of things this week. Adversity is real. The Adversary is predictable. After my sweet and joyful experiences last week, I’m not surprised by this week’s opposition, but it’s still mighty hard.  Facing some mornings takes real effort. Remembering my Savior said, “I have overcome the world,” keeps me going. When I cry on my pillow to my Heavenly Father, He hears me. When I reach out for my Savior, He’s right there. When I plead for peace, the Holy Ghost comforts me. I know God is aware our world is in turmoil. I’m sure He’s sadder than we are that His children are hurting, feeling isolated and afraid, some losing control and harming others.

I ask myself, what can I do? Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all that I can’t do, but if I really seek ways to help, the Spirit shows me what I can do. For me, it’s never been something grandiose, but small and simple ways of showing love and sharing my testimony. We already have a Savior who has overcome all evil. He reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God.” That doesn’t mean I can curl up in a ball and wait for Him to take care of everything, but I don’t have to fix it or carry all that pain and grief, either. I can give it to Him, follow His example, and hold to my faith and hope in His power and glory.

Jesus told us the first thing, the most important thing, we can do is love God. How do we do that?

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Be good. Be obedient. Be our best selves.  Hold to the iron rod—the word of God. Jesus said, “I do always those things that please [God].”

“The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Our love for God increases as we recognize our blessings come from Him, “…being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.” Sometimes I’m so amazed at the blessings I’ve been given, I weep with gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father. No matter what’s going on, I can look around me, at my family, my friends, my home, my faith and my church, my health, and realize how incredibly blessed I am. How good God is, whether life is going well or is messed up.

“To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is all-consuming and all-encompassing. It is no lukewarm endeavor. It is total commitment of our very being—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—to a love of the Lord…

“Why did God put the first commandment first? Because He knew that if we truly loved Him we would want to keep all of His other commandments. “For this is the love of God,” says John, “that we keep his commandments.” Ezra Taft Benson

The second most important thing is to love all of God’s children. Every single one, including ourselves. I’m absolutely certain Heavenly Father loves each of His children, personally, individually.  I have to believe that, because I feel his personal, individual love for me every minute of the day and night. He knows my quirks, my weaknesses, my strengths, my fears, my talents, my joys, my heartache. I know He knows because He shows me in countless ways. He sends people to help me, blesses me with strength when mine is gone, gives me specific answers in prayers and Priesthood blessings, and loves me even when I fail. It’s amazing and beautiful to me. I’m just one, but I matter to Him. So do you. That’s why He wants us to be loving to each other, just as Jesus is—perfectly, completely. That isn’t easy, and we’ll get it wrong many times, but it seems to be what we’re here to learn.

“God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.

“What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I trust my Heavenly Father’s plan. He’s got this. Everything is in His hands and will be okay. I’ll keep pressing on, keep loving Him and showing it through my actions, and keep loving each of His precious children, even when it’s hard. That’s my job, one day, one hour, one small act of kindness at a time.

“Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” Doctrine and Covenants 6:34, 36