Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on daily growth and progress

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (b November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve. He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 until 2018.

"We have reliable, visible landmarks that we can use to evaluate our course.

"And what are these landmarks?

"Surely they include daily prayer and pondering the scriptures and using inspired tools like Come, Follow Me. Each day, we can approach the throne of God in humility and honesty. We can ponder our actions and review the moments of our day—considering our will and desires in light of His. If we have drifted, we plead with God to restore us, and we commit to do better.

"This time of introspection is an opportunity for recalibration. It is a garden of reflection where we can walk with the Lord and be instructed, edified, and purified by the written and Spirit-revealed word of our Heavenly Father. It is a sacred time when we remember our solemn covenants to follow the gentle Christ, when we assess our progress and align ourselves with the spiritual landmarks God has provided for His children.

"Think of it as your personal, daily restoration. On our journey as pilgrims on the path of glory, we know how easy it is to fall away. But just as minor deviations can draw us out of the Savior’s Way, so too can small and simple acts of realignment assuredly lead us back. When darkness creeps into our lives, as it often does, our daily restoration opens our hearts to heavenly light, which illuminates our souls, chasing away shadows, fears, and doubts."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Daily Restoration." General Conference October 2021, Sunday morning

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Elder Uchtdorf often shares insights about navigating our journey through life, and the importance of making sure our direction and location are known and correct. He introduced this message with a description of how difficult it is to follow a straight line in a forest, unless there are visible aids to assist such as sunlight or other landmarks. His analogy to our spiritual life was helpful; it's so easy to get lost spiritually unless our path is guided by indicators to help us maintain the course. We gain perspective through prayer and study; but our personal connection go our Father in Heaven is perhaps the most crucial element.

Most of us don't have nearly enough quiet introspection. This time of "daily restoration" suggested by Elder Uchtdorf will truly bless our life, and allow us to make the gentle course corrections to keep us moving in the right direction.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)