This has been on my mind a lot lately, not that it’s nearing Valentines day or anything. ;) For most of my life, I’ve struggled with the question – Does God really love me? There are things in life that I know. I know that President Monson is a true prophet; and I know the Church was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. But what I’ve struggled to know for myself is, does God love me? I know God loves you, and him, and her…but does He really love me? I posted this question to my friends on North Star and I received some really good responses. One friend said that "he saw small glimpses of His love for others but that he had to consciously choose to believe that He feels the same love for me." I really liked that. Another friend said that he knows God loves him because of the Atonement. That is, I believe, the greatest act of love. I’ve never really used that as a reason that He loves me because He did that for every one that has ever lived! Not just for me! Another friend asked me, “How do you know God doesn’t love you?” I know that I’ve come up with several reasons in my head, but deep down I know that none of them are really valid. I guess I don’t really have reasons why He doesn’t love me! I had many other responses from these great guys that really helped me out.

Anyway, this topic has been on my mind a lot lately and I’ve been trying to notice things in my life where I could know for myself that He does love me. Last Sunday, we sang several hymns. The first two that were sung talked about God’s love. For the closing hymn, my friend turned to “Our Savior’s Love” by mistake. I kind of laughed. I thought it would have been funny if that was the closing hymn. It was like God was trying to tell me something. Later, I read the words:

Our Savior's love shines like the sun with perfect light,

As from above it breaks thru clouds of strife.

Lighting our way, it leads us back into his sight,

Where we may stay to share eternal life.

I want to feel that love. I want to know it. I don’t think I’ll gain this knowledge over night though. But I hope to continue to see the little tender mercies of the Lord where I can feel His love. I saw this today and I wanted to share it here. I love Elder Holland and the simple, yet profound way that he teaches.

I think that he was mostly talking about dating and relationships, but I felt some of it was about God's love. "Love one another as I have loved you."

I'm still trying to figure these things out, but I'm grateful for the glimpses of His love that I feel every now and then.