Christmastime.  What a mix of feelings are evoked by this word, this idea, this time of year. As the mother of seven wonderful children, I admit to some anxiety triggers about Christmastime. I loved making Christmas special and exciting for the children, but it was…strenuous. Most of all, I wanted my children to know about Jesus, wanted them to know Jesus. Now, with my youngest turning 16, Christmastime is different, but I still want the same thing for myself and my children; I want it to be about the peace and joy only the Savior can bring.

“This is a wonderful time of the year. It may not be perfect. But if Christmas can point our hearts toward our Savior, we can rejoice even in the imperfections of the season. Brothers and sisters, dear friends, may we always remember to bring gifts to Him who has given His all for us. May we always remember and be grateful that in the birth of that Child, the universe rejoiced. And may each Christmas season remind us to lift up our voices and fill our hearts with joy and gratitude that Christ the King has come! Christ lives! He is real. He is our Redeemer at Christmas and always. Of this I bear solemn witness.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Five of my children were born near Christmastime. The joy of Christ’s birth was never more real, experienced so personally, as it was during those years when I cradled my own precious infant, by the light of the Christmas tree, pondering what it might have been like for Mary, sweet Mary, the mother of Jesus. A first baby is thrilling and frightening and miraculous. Mary’s experience would have been a million times more miraculous and awe-inspiring because of what she knew—that finally, wonderfully, after all the prophesies, the waiting, the hopes and fears of all the years, she was going to bring the Savior, God’s own Son, into the world.  Though the journey to Bethlehem must have been painfully difficult, and the stable-type setting was a humble, lowly place for a baby to be born, it might also have been a blessedly quiet, secluded place away from the human noise and commotion going on all around the city. With the assurance of the ever-faithful Joseph keeping watch, surely there was a peace and joy so intense, the setting was forgotten as the precious baby boy was born and cradled in his mother’s tender, welcoming arms.

I’ve imagined the shepherds’ amazing experience. These were humble, hard workers. They were simple, faithful people doing their job, trying to keep the little ones from wandering or getting hurt, always keeping watch. I relate to that job description. They knew the prophecies. They hoped and waited. They believed. What a thrilling reward they received for their faithful hope and belief!  I feel, right along with them, the wonder and awe of the angel’s “good tidings of great joy” that “born this day…[is] a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” I want to sing out with the multitude of heavenly host saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” I understand their urgency, as they made haste to go and see the precious, holy babe, and then shared the miraculous news.  Joy, joy, joy.

Then there were the wise men from the east, whose perseverance and faith are inspiring. They searched for a long time! They must’ve faced many hardships on their journey. I find convenient, modern traveling exhausting and wonder how they kept going. Did they stop to serve others along the way, like some stories depict? Did they ever doubt, wondering if they would find Him? Even if they had doubts or felt discouraged, they never gave up. They kept their eye on the star—the symbol of Christ’s arrival. They were sustained by their hope, their faith, and their desire to worship, to give something to Him. I can identify with these men. There are times when my road, my journey is long and hard, and I want to get off the camel, but I keep my eye on my Jesus. I search, hope, mourn, struggle, and rejoice along the way. Finding the Savior is a lifelong journey of love and hope and discovery. I want to be wise. I want to keep going. I want to worship and give something—my heart, my will, my small gifts of service—to Him, too.

“I believe that each of us can re-create that familiar scene in Bethlehem in our own lives. We can have a star to follow just as the Wise Men did. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ The scriptures can light our way, and our testimonies can be a light from within. The voices of angels can be the voices of our beloved prophet and His servants. We can kneel at the feet of our Savior just as literally as the shepherds and the Wise Men, but we do it in prayer. The gifts we bring are our talents. We can shout “Hosanna” like that angelic choir and spread the good news by bearing our testimonies. By works of righteousness, we can come unto Him each day of our lives just as if we had trod in our sandaled feet the rocky path to Bethlehem, holding a staff or bearing gifts.” Betty Jo N. Jepsen

These sweet thoughts are the ones I hold on to during this season, when often my heart is sorrowing, missing the childish squeals of joy and sticky hugs and kisses of days gone by, aching at the loss of hoped-for dreams, and longing for a glimpse of a tender smile from a loved-one no longer here or one who is aging and hurting.  I know my Savior makes room for my grief as I make room for His love and light. Christmastime is still a light-filled, music-ringing, hopeful reminder of the incomparable gift of knowing Jesus. He lived, selflessly and perfectly, died, heroically and sacrificially, and everlastingly overcame death, through the resurrection. No sorrow, loss, or pain can overshadow the joy of His atonement and love for each of us. He lives and will come again. The good news is still true. Hallelujah and joy to the world!

“Thoughts lead to acts, acts lead to habits, habits lead to character—and our character will determine our eternal destiny.” Ezra Taft Benson

Most of us have heard that our thoughts determine what we do as well as how we feel. I’ve been working on paying attention to my thoughts, and it’s downright scary. My thoughts often run amok. If I don’t rein them in, they carry me away into sad or frightening avenues I needn’t travel. Thinking positively doesn’t come easily to me—I have to work at it.  I point out to myself, as Obi-Wan told Anakin, “You’re focusing on the negative…be mindful of your thoughts.”

“The mind has been likened to a stage on which only one act at a time can be performed. From one side of the wings the Lord, who loves you, is trying to put on the stage of your mind that which will bless you. From the other side of the wings the devil, who hates you, is trying to put on the stage of your mind that which will curse you.

“You are the stage manager—you are the one who decides which thought will occupy the stage. Remember, the Lord wants you to have a fullness of joy like His. The devil wants all men to be miserable like unto himself. You are the one who must decide whose thoughts you will entertain. You are free to choose—but you are not free to alter the consequences of those choices. You will be what you think about—what you consistently allow to occupy the stage of your mind.” Ezra Taft Benson

This week, a loving friend reminded me that just like the Lord created the earth spiritually before He did physically, my thoughts will create my future world for me.  Setting goals, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and asking the Lord to help me see myself and my life the way He sees them, can all help me visualize and focus on the beautiful possibilities of growth, love, and success in this life. With an eternal goal of becoming like my Savior, Jesus Christ, and living with my Heavenly Family for eternity, I can “lay aside the things (and thoughts) of this world and focus on the things of a better.”

“Armed with knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and our identity as spirit children of God, Latter-day Saints should be the most positive-thinking people in the world. We know that our loving Father in Heaven has put us here to succeed—not to fail. That should help us walk by faith. We should be optimistic and confident that we are blessed to be a part of the divine plan, a plan of eternal salvation. If we want to be more positive minded, more enthusiastic, more optimistic, the solution lies within us…I would encourage you to think positive thoughts about your unique personality, your glorious future, the beautiful truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and your relationship to your personal Savior. Those thoughts will impel you to action, assuring you of a rich, productive life here and eternal lives and exaltation hereafter.” Elder Robert L. Backman

My thoughts are often unkind in regards to myself, my mistakes, my character flaws, and weaknesses. When those thoughts occupy the stage, I am, indeed, miserable. I think things I’d never dream of saying out loud, even to myself. (I don’t know about you, but I talk to myself all the time, aloud and in my head.) As Dumbledore says, “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on Earth should that mean it’s not real?” The silent conversations are always the harshest, although I have been known to vocally call myself names when I’m disgusted with my ridiculousness or senility.

When my thoughts turn negative and I start to ruminate on reasons to be down on myself, I try to take notice. I write down each destructive thought and then prayerfully transform it into a positive, true statement, based on my knowledge of my divine worth and destiny. Instead of thinking “I messed up again. What an idiot. I’ll never get it right.” I tell myself, “I’m a daughter of God, with infinite potential. He loves me right now. I’m changing and improving every day.”

When I realize my thoughts are becoming a mournful list of the things that aren’t the way I want them, I stop myself. I take a deep breath and deliberately focus on all the wonderful and beautiful blessings in my life.  Gratitude immediately brings peace and happiness. Instead of thinking, “I hate being so far away from my grands!” I remind myself, “I’m so blessed to have those sweet angels in my life and the time and means to go visit them.”

When I’m fearful and anxious, with racing thoughts full of possible disaster and loss, I pray to replace, “I’m all alone…This is too hard….I can’t…” with the comfort of a loving Father reminding me, “I’ll be on your right hand and on your left, and mine angels round about you to bear you up.” I’m never alone and I can do this.

“And will you succeed?

Yes, you will indeed!

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)”

Dr. Seuss

When my mind is focused on the evil and darkness of the world in which we live, I pause to remember Jesus said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” I mindfully turn my thoughts to my Beautiful Savior.  What would Jesus think about? I try, then, to think of everything “virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy.” Before long, light replaces the darkness and my heart sings, “I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me.”

“If thoughts make us what we are, and we are to be like Christ, then we must think Christlike thoughts.” Ezra Taft Benson

“Married or single, you sisters possess distinctive capabilities and special intuition you have received as gifts from God.

“…We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant keepers and who express their beliefs with confidence and charity. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve.” President Russell M. Nelson

This week, I began a new adventure working in the temple. Since I first went to the temple to be sealed, I’ve loved serving in the temple, and wanted to be an ordinance worker when I grew up.  The days leading up to my first day, things were rough for me and I could feel the opposition. I recognized it easily and simply pressed on, thinking, “Good, that means I’m on the right path.” As soon as I walked through the temple doors, I felt the weight of my cares lifted, and a feeling of gratitude, for this opportunity, overwhelmed me. The longer I was in the temple, the more I realized the amazing blessing of having one day a week in The House of Lord, focusing on what matters most. When I was introduced as the new kid, I was asked, unexpectedly, to tell about myself.  They already knew I was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My mind went completely blank; I had no idea what to say.  I sheepishly admitted that, and then honestly stated that I was just very happy to be in the temple with them that day, after which I rallied enough to share that I was the mother of seven and my youngest was 15 now, which allowed me more time to serve in the temple.  But I felt uncomfortable about that initial blank in my head as I thought about who I am now.

Of course, first and foremost, I’m a mom. That’s been the case for more than 30 years.  I identify with that part of myself easily and most often.  I’m also a gran (so fun!), a daughter, a sister, and a friend. I’m trying to come to terms with the idea that I have a purpose in life in addition to these familiar roles, and now that I’m no longer a wife. I’m trying to learn who Heavenly Father wants me to become in this stage of my life. Like a child, I’m trying out different avenues, talents, possibilities, and like a child, sometimes I’m excited, and other times I’m resistant and scared.

“Single adult sisters throughout the Church, I want you to know of my deep love and appreciation for you—for your goodness, for your faithfulness, for your desire to serve the Lord with all your heart…

“Always be improving yourself. Set personal achievement goals and stretch to accomplish them. Improve yourself physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually…Keep growing and learning and progressing and serving others.” President Ezra Taft Benson

I didn’t think I would journey through this stage of life as a single woman.  I may dance alone at my daughter’s wedding, but I’m still dancing. I’m determined to follow the straight course, even though occasionally I just sit down in the middle of the road and cry awhile. I always get back up. I’m truly thankful for so many strong and faithful women, both married and single, who are shining examples to me. Day by day, I’m finding my way, holding to the iron rod and trusting my testimony. As I search for direction amid the choices in my life now, and through change and uncertainty, my Anchor remains the same; I love and need my Savior every minute. Opportunities that draw me closer to Him are the only ones I’m interested in.

Several years after my husband chose to leave the church and his beliefs began to change, we had a painful discussion about the possibilities for us. He wanted me to be open to new beliefs, new ideas, new behaviors, outside the parameters of the church. Finally, I told him that I am one hundred percent dedicated to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and always will be.  I will keep my covenants. It’s not only what I believe, but who I am, and nothing will ever change that for me.

“It is common for us to pray for physical safety. However, I have come to pray even more fervently for the strength to live true to my covenants. This provides spiritual protection. Whether we live a long or short life upon this earth is of little consequence in the eternities. What really matters is how we live. Living the life of a covenant keeper is of highest value because keeping our covenants is the only way we can fulfill our eternal purpose.” Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

When I was 9 years old, a primary teacher began taking me to primary during the week. I loved it-especially the singing. My dad was a member of the church but hadn’t been involved in it since he was a boy, so church hadn’t been a part of our lives.  Soon the stake missionaries began teaching our family about the gospel.  During one discussion, one of the missionaries asked, “Who baptized Jesus?” Oh, I knew this! I had learned the Baptism song in primary and enthusiastically said, “Immersion!”  Well, the song says, “…and was baptized by immersion…”

After having the lessons, some time and repentance, and loving fellowship, my dad was able to baptize my mom, my older sister, and I. A year later our family was joyfully sealed in the Los Angeles temple. The change in our home was miraculous and beautiful.  We were closer and happier, and I loved everything I learned about my Savior and His church, restored in the Latter-Days by the prophet, Joseph Smith.  I’m eternally thankful for those stake missionaries, and I’ll never forget that amazing primary teacher who cared enough to pick me up in her blue VW bug every week.  Sadly, she died very young of cancer. Because of my experiences, and knowing what life with the gospel, and without it, looked like, I could never reject that precious gift or the loving Redeemer who makes it possible for me to be with my earthly family and my Heavenly family forever.

Although I have faith and hold to the truths I know, life mostly feels scary to me still and I am often overwhelmed.  A counselor asked me to tell her what I know for sure.  I replied, “I know that I am a daughter of God.” This knowledge has been reinforced over and over as I’ve felt the Holy Ghost witness to me that it’s true. We then discussed what else that means if I know that is true.

If I am a daughter of God, then…

I am loved;

Perfectly loved and cherished.

I am important;

I matter.

I am enough;

I don’t have to be perfect yet.

I am safe;  

He watches over me, stays with me.

This is who I am. This is what I know. Even with all my failings and quirks, I can explore the possibilities for my life now and in the future, with the guidance of the Spirit, and know that I am OK. I will always be safe because of the love of my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:35, 38-39

Last week, my youngest and I spent a week with my daughter and her family, who live about 8 hours (driving) from our house. It was a wonderful time of celebration and rejoicing, as my oldest grandson had his eighth birthday and chose to follow Jesus Christ and be baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had been preparing and knew what it meant to make that covenant. He’s a serious and sensitive boy and seeing the light in his eyes on his baptism day brought me pure joy. No wonder the Savior tells us we need to be like little children. Days like that remind me that true joy is eternal, while sorrows are temporary.   

It’s easy to forget, amid the strife and struggle of day-to-day survival, the simplicity and love of Heavenly Father’s plan. The natural man forgets good things, which is probably why “remember” is a frequent word in the scriptures. The temple is also a place of remembering as our perspective becomes more clearly focused. If I go a few weeks without going to the temple, I forget that this moment, this anxiety, this struggle, is not forever. I’m afraid, even though I know God watches over me and those I love, because I forget to trust.

A week before our trip to my daughter’s home, her 18-month-old toddler took a tumble down their stairs and suffered a concussion. She had to have quiet and low stimuli, be constantly watched, and stay home.  Not so easy with two busy brothers, a birthday, and a baptism during the week! We went earlier than planned so we could help.  Thankfully, she’s comfortable with me and I was able to hold her and rock her and help in any way I could. However, I found that when I wasn’t the one watching her, my anxiety spiked and occasionally I had to leave the room, put in my earbuds, and listen to something to drown out the sounds in the house. I was the Gran, not the Mom, and it was hard not to be in charge.  I became more fearful and anxious when it was time to go home. I was sad and wondered how my daughter would be able to manage without us there—it was tricky even with three of us taking care of the kids while her husband was at work. I forgot to trust the Lord to take care of that precious little one, whom I know He loves even more than I do.  After we left, my son, who’d come for the baptism, spent the day entertaining the little boys.  The rest of the week, friends and ward members stepped in to help when it was needed, and my daughter was given what she needed to get by. I may forget, but Jesus never does. 

“I [will] not forget thee, O house of Israel.

“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16

When I returned home from the trip, my mom told me that the day I’d left, she’d fallen.  My mom lives with me, and my sisters live within 15 minutes of our home. Mom’s health is generally OK, but it can be unpredictable, and we always pray for her to be protected while we’re away. She and I texted a couple of times each day, my son was around, when he wasn’t at work, and my sisters checked on her. I was shocked to hear that she’d fallen—all the way to the ground.  Nobody was home when it happened, and her phone wasn’t close by.  Amazingly, she only received a big bruise on her arm, and wasn’t hurt in any other way.  Somehow, she was able to get up.  I was humbled by this tender mercy, because she hadn’t been able to get down to the floor or up from the floor for several years.  She got stuck kneeling down once and I couldn’t get her up by myself.  It was literally a miracle she wasn’t hurt and was able to get up on her own. As I thought about this, sincerely thanking my Father in Heaven for this answer to our prayers for her safety, the feeling struck me that He was reminding me that I can trust Him.  I’m not in charge.  He is.  And He’s ever so much better at it than I am!  I forget.  He lovingly reminds me. 

“Every good man and woman…[is] in the hands of [the] Lord.  They are before him, his eye upon them, his angels round about them that they might endure afflictions, suffer pain [and] buffeting by Satan, pass through scenes of afflictions enough to wring their natural hearts out of them, comparatively.  Yet God [will] take care of them.” 

 (Brigham Young, Sept. 23, 1852, Mary Fielding Smith’s funeral)

When my sons received their mission calls to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and went away for two years each-one to Africa and one, two years later, to Canada-I had a hard time. Though I was happy, knowing it was exactly where each was supposed to go and believed he would have the experiences he most needed, I was worried and anxious. To combat my fears, I used a visualization.  As I drove my son to the Mission Training Center, I imagined the Savior’s strong and capable hands cupped and reaching out to me. I saw myself placing my son, held in my own cupped hands, into the Savior’s hands, completely turning over his care to the only One who could truly protect him. Mission time then became a blessing to me, as I grew closer to each son with heartfelt weekly emails and many blessings from Heaven. While there have been many times I’ve placed loved ones and situations into the loving hands of my Savior, there have also been times I’ve forgotten to do this and felt the weight of the world on my own shoulders, instead.  

“I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that His people do not feel confident in His care or secure in His hands.” Jeffrey R. Holland

All week I’ve thought about trust.  I’ve tried to remember Him always, but last night, even while writing about it, I found myself worrying, with my friend and fellow worrier, about the youth conference group that wasn’t answering cell phones, an hour after the time designated for parents to pick up kids. Her handy-dandy tracker said, “location unavailable.”  That’s not a comfortable place for me. Soon after, they reached cell service and let us know they were alive. Sigh. I wish I were better at always remembering.  

 “There is nothing easy or automatic about becoming such powerful disciples. Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel.  It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought.   But when we do, our doubts and fears flee.”

President Russell M. Nelson

Each year at Easter time, I’ve tried to make it a time of study and reflection about the last week of the Savior’s life. Many years ago, I made a book of Easter week reading for my family.  I went through all four gospels and tried to combine everything Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote into a fairly comprehensive study of that week.  I added pictures and music.  We read together what Jesus taught His apostles and followers when He knew His time with them was nearly over. We went with them to the triumphal entry, where they all waved palm branches and praised the Lord.  We were upset, right along with Jesus, at those defiling the temple, and then moved to tears by His gentle healing after the harsh cleansing.  We asked ourselves, as He questioned His apostles, if we, too, would go away, and answered like Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” We were heartbroken by His suffering and jubilant at His resurrection.

One year, we took our Easter week study with us on our Disneyland trip.  Before we went to the park, my children knew we would do our reading and singing.  Hopefully, even if their excited anticipation of Disneyland distracted them, they knew it was important enough to me to gather them for the study time, even on vacation.  

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” 2 Nephi 25:26

We have a similar tradition for Christmas, to gather together for the Christmas story in Luke, before rushing downstairs to find stockings and gifts. When my oldest son was on his mission, he told me he was thankful for all the times we’d studied the last week of Jesus’s life, but that he didn’t know nearly as much about the rest of His life.  Because of that, I changed my Easter and Christmas reading to one of the four gospels in December and March or April, depending on when Easter falls, so we learn about Christ’s life and teachings more evenly, and not just His birth and last week.

When my oldest daughter was almost three years old, she got the flu, quickly becoming dehydrated. She began to lose coordination and control of her body.  I was terrified and didn’t know what was happening. I took her to the hospital and they admitted her.  They wanted to take blood and told me I couldn’t come with them because they liked to keep the unpleasant stuff separate so the child didn’t associate it with the mother. I was young, and believed doctors knew best.  I let them take her for a few torturous minutes. She needed fluids and they set up her IV and got her all settled, then I was able to stay with her the rest of the time she was there.  I was so scared and all alone, until my parents and husband could get away from work to come. At night, I slept on a cot in her room. They didn’t bring me food (I was eight-and-a-half months pregnant), so I had to run down to get something at the cafeteria, asking the nurse to sit with her for a minute. I hated to leave her for even 10 minutes.  After a couple of days of antibiotics for an ear infection and an IV to rehydrate, she recovered and returned to her sweet, bright, happy self. We were thrilled to get home to her little sister and our beds! But I couldn’t rest. I kept remembering, seeing her when she couldn’t hold the popsicle I’d given her or talk coherently. I had severe anxiety at home, and my brain kept playing that scene over and over, reliving my panic.  As I prayed, trying to find peace, I had the impression that my pain and fear at watching my little daughter so sick, was a tiny glimpse of the agony my Heavenly Father endured watching His Son suffer and die for each of us.  I knew my experience was miniscule in comparison, but as a mother seeing my child so ill, my pain and distress were overwhelming. I understood a little better how much Heavenly Father loves me, and all His other children, to allow Jesus to go through all He did to atone for our sins and carry our grief.

Christ’s life was all about love.  He taught the apostles, by lovingly washing their feet, that the greatest shall be the servant. He prayed the most beautiful prayer for us—all who believe in Him. He told His apostles that He wouldn’t leave them comfortless, and likewise gives each of us the opportunity to receive the Holy Ghost, if we choose. Every action, every healing, every word, every drop of blood showed His infinite love for us.

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5

My mom is the only member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in her family. She joined the church when I was 10 years old. Her parents and siblings were exposed to many of the teachings of the church through our family but weren’t interested in hearing more. After my grandpa’s death, my parents, my husband, and I went to the temple to do the baptism for him, by proxy, offering him the opportunity to accept that ordinance if he wanted to. I stood by the baptismal font while my husband performed the baptism, with my dad acting as proxy for Grandpa. At the moment Dad came up out of the water, I felt an overwhelming feeling of the presence of my grandpa.  I’d never felt that before, and tears flowed for both me and my husband as we felt strongly that Grandpa was there and accepted the gift of baptism we offered him. It was a tender mercy to feel such a powerful witness that there is life after this one, and through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we are given the gift of repentance and resurrection.

Easter is a celebration of faith, life, and renewal through Jesus Christ. Hallelujah—Praise the Lord!

“We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.” The Living Christ

While reading the New Testament this year, I’m struck, once again, at the incomprehensible goodness, wisdom, and compassion of Jesus Christ. In a Sunday School class last year, we listed as many attributes of Christ as we could think of.  It was an amazing and very long list!  We did the Attribute Activity in Preach My Gospel, as well. I feel like a little child in my spiritual attributes, compared to Him. Some of the Savior’s attributes come more naturally to me, and some continue to be a challenge, even after years of working on them.

One of the attributes of my Savior that I’m especially thankful for is His compassion.  Because of His atonement, He knows every struggle and heartache and has perfect empathy for each of His children.  I’ve felt His loving support and understanding throughout my life.  However, the scriptures are full of examples of His compassion and empathy before He suffered for us in Gethsemane and on Calvary’s cross. Over and over we read that He was “moved with compassion” for the people. He healed countless individuals, fed the multitude instead of sending them away, forgave sins, welcomed the little children, and He even raised the dead, returning them to their loved ones. He was sensitive to the needs of each person who came to Him. 

“Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow…And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.”

Luke 7:12-15

My heart grieves and then rejoices, along with this widow, as I feel the love the Savior had for her.

When Jesus comes to Martha and Mary after the death of their brother, we feel his deep compassion for them as He weeps with them, even though He knows Lazarus will rise.

“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.” John 11:32-35

One of my favorite chapters in all of scripture, is 3 Nephi 17. It’s incredibly tender as the Lord visits the Nephites. When it’s time for Him to leave, He tells them He will return the next day.

“And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.”

Jesus invites them to bring all who are sick, and He heals each and every one. Then He tells them to bring all the children, gathers them together, and has everyone kneel as He prays for them.

“And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father. And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude that they were overcome. And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them arise. And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full. And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. And when he had done this he wept again;”

Reading this, who can doubt the Savior’s sensitivity, compassion, and love?

Sharing just a few of these examples, I feel like John when he recorded at the end of his gospel, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.”

A large portion of society doesn’t seem to value sensitivity and compassion much anymore.  Many times, especially in men, those qualities are derided and belittled, while toughness and stoicism are touted and applauded. The world is becoming increasingly desensitized due to violence and competitiveness. Sensitive people are sometimes called weak, sheltered, or out-of-touch, and told to “toughen up.”

Elaine N. Aron, PhD, wrote the book, The Highly Sensitive Person, How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. The author discusses the idea that some people are highly sensitive to stimuli and emotions. She views being a highly sensitive person (HSP) as a gift, not a flaw, (contrary to current societal belief) but acknowledges that it requires awareness and attention to self-care to cope. I identified with many of the characteristics of an HSP and recognized them in some family members.

Like me, you might be an HSP if:

• You weren’t allowed to watch animal movies (like Lassie) when you were young because they made you cry for a week.
• Strong smells and loud noises cause you intense discomfort.
• You had night terrors as a child.
• Watching the news or violent movies makes you feel physically ill.
• You get teary when you pass a car wreck.
• You’re exhausted and need quiet for a couple of hours after church or social situations.
• You feel sorry for characters in comedies (like Elf) and people in America’s Funniest Home Videos.
• Being away from your children (or even your pets) makes you sad.
• When competing, you feel bad when someone loses.
• You’ve been told “you’re too sensitive” too many times to count.

Although it’s often uncomfortable being highly sensitive, I hope to use my sensitivity and empathy to comfort and bless others, the way Jesus would if He were here. I also try to remember that because we’re all different, with varied strengths, I’m happier and kinder when I don’t judge others by how I feel about things. As Brigham Young said, “I wish to urge upon the Saints…to understand men and women as they are, and not understand them as you are.” Extending patience and understanding to all of God’s children is the Christlike way. We’re all here to learn to be more like the Savior, with all His perfect attributes.