Latter-day Saint Life

10 Times President Uchtdorf Summed Up Life Perfectly

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We've all experienced a time when a conference talk felt like it was written for us. There are many times President Uchtdorf has said something that seems to have been taken straight from our own chaotic or contented lives. Here are 10 of our favorites:

1. "You are not alone on this journey. Your Heavenly Father knows you. Even when no one else hears you, He hears you. When you rejoice in righteousness, He rejoices with you. When you are beset with trial, He grieves with you" [Your Wonderful Journey Home, April 2013].

It's clear from this quote that President Uchtdorf knows that life can be lonely and discouraging at times. But he also reminds us that the Lord is there to empathize as well as encourage.

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2. "In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time" [Of Things That Matter Most, October 2010].

How often do we forget that life is about more than working and eating? Don’t forget to make time for those you love and want to be with in the eternities.

3. "I want to tell you something that I hope you will take in the right way: God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect. Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not" [Forget Me Not, October 2011].

Whenever our natural man gets the better of us and we begin to fault-find with others, we should keep this inspiring reminder in mind.


4. "The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions—temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful.

"How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings" [Grateful in Any Circumstance, April 2014].

Many times life hands to us what appear to look like endings—the end of a relationship, of a job, of a life—but this President Uchtdorf quote reminds us that they are actually small beginnings in an eternal circle.

5. "[Brothers and Sisters], our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble but by the number of times we rise up, dust ourselves off, and move forward" [You Can Do It Now!, October 2013].

Sometimes it seems like a significant portion of life is spent making mistakes or enduring trials and falling on our faces. But, as President Uchtdorf says, that is ok as long as we continue to move forward.

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6. "There are times when we have to step into the darkness in faith, confident that God will place solid ground beneath our feet once we do" [The Why of Priesthood Service, April 2012].

We all face trials and uncertainties in life, but when we do, we must remember that faith is stronger than fear, and God and His gospel are there to catch us.

7. "We come to church not to hide our problems but to heal them" [On Being Genuine, April 2015].

We've all experienced times of going to church out of habit and not really being invested. President Uchtdorf reminds us, however, of the true purpose of church involvement and the peace that it can bring.


8. "Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. I don’t go cycling with my wife because I’m excited about finishing. I go because the experience of being with her is sweet and enjoyable.

"Doesn’t it seem foolish to spoil sweet and joyful experiences because we are constantly anticipating the moment when they will end?" [Of Regrets and Resolutions, October 2012].

Mormons are great at feeling overwhelmed or focusing on finishing, but President Uchtdorf reminds us that sometimes we just need to slow down and find the joy Heavenly Father intended for us to have in this life.

9. "Brothers and sisters, there is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment" [The Merciful Obtain Mercy, April 2012].

Many times in life we find ourselves trapped in patterns of gossiping, holding grudges, or giving into our pride. But they are traps that we should quickly seek to escape from with uplifting and forgiving thoughts.

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10. "Love should be our walk and our talk" [The Love of God, October 2009].

Truly if we remember this counsel, we will all find life to be a lot more enjoyable and our relationship with God and those around us a lot stronger.

Lead image from President Uchtdorf's Facebook page.
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