Creation

Today in Relief Society our lesson was about the Creation. We had a beautiful discussion, and I just wanted to share a quick thought that came to me during that hour.

One of the questions asked toward the end of the lesson was about how the Creation testifies of God's love for us. As I thought about that question, I remembered that He created all of these wonderful things that work perfectly together for our good. He created this world for our enjoyment and use. And He gave us stewardship over and responsibility for His creations, all of which I am sure He must love; don't we all take great pride in our work? Don't we all love the things we create? Yet as large and magnificent as the mountains are, as powerful as the wind is, as beautiful as the sky is, we, as humans, were made to have dominion in this world. That is because we are His children, and the love He has for us is even greater than that which He has for His other creations. How cool is that?

Today I gained a greater appreciation for that knowledge. I realized that we are always expressing gratitude and awe at the wonder and beauty of nature. A lot of people talk about how they feel so small when they are in nature, observing and appreciating the overcoming beauty of it all. But shouldn't it be different? Shouldn't we feel bigger? More empowered? Not only does the Father love us enough to create these things for our enjoyment, but He trusts us enough to put them in our care. It is my belief that this world and this life, in more ways than one, is a preparation for things to come. If we live our lives worthily and diligently, it will be our privilege to someday have the same godly experience of creating and ruling. In His gift to us of the Creation, Heavenly Father is teaching us something of our divine nature. We, too, have the inherent power to create.

Also, sometimes we feel ugly. I've had plenty of ugly days myself, and they're not fun. Especially when we're at camp and we aren't showering or wearing makeup or doing our hair, we might feel like the beauty of nature is so much greater than our own. But please remember on your ugly days that, in our Father's eyes, you are the most beautiful of His creations. I would submit that the only thing more beautiful than us is the Plan of Salvation, the purpose of which is to bring us back to our Father's presence. You are an essential part of that plan. A very beautiful part. Next time you stop and take a minute to appreciate nature, take two minutes and remember to appreciate yourself, your body, your life, your purpose, your destiny. And then thank our Father for His infinite wisdom and creativity. Thank Him for the world that was created for us, but also thank Him for Us, that the world could be filled by such beloved and beautiful inhabitants.