I am precious and so are you

It's been one of those days.  Nothing major.  Everything will feel better tomorrow but it has definitely felt like the whole world is conspiring against me.  On days like today, I find comfort in a sweet memory from last year. 

I enjoy attending institute in a neighboring stake on Monday mornings.  I don't really know anyone else in the class but it is worth the drive because the instructor is terrific and so knowledgeable about the scriptures.

One day when I was in the midst of alot of turmoil (this was before Brent's life changing surgery), I was plagued with sadness and fear about what was going to happen next.   I was probably even wallowing a little in self pity if you want to know the truth.  It was just a downer day.

On one of those Monday mornings while I was sitting in the chapel attending Institute, a sweet elderly woman (probably in her 70s) sat down near me in the pew.  I have to admit that I didn't really acknowledge her except for a vague, quick smile and then I went back to taking notes.

In the middle of class, she leaned over, patted my hand, looked me straight in the eyes and said,

"You are Precious". 

 I didn't know what to say.  I was speechless.  I didn't even know her but somehow, she knew EXACTLY what I needed to hear at that moment.  Tears welled in my eyes and, a little self conscious, i thanked her. 
When I finally got to my car and had a moment of privacy, I cried.  I was so grateful for that reminder.   It helped snap me out of my funk and realize that my Heavenly Father was aware of me and my family and everything that we were going through and although he might not take it all away, He was mindful of us.
 

I wondered for a few days after that if, perhaps, this woman just walks around saying that to everyone she meets?  Or was it a unique  message to me at that moment because she felt prompted?   I never asked her but several months later I saw her again.  I went up to her after class and asked her if she remembered our little interaction many months before.  She smiled at me with a twinkle in her eye and assured me that she did. 

 

I also wondered if there have ever been times I have felt prompted or had a thought to lift another or pass along a kind word to someone but have failed to do it out of fear.  What an example she was to me of having the faith to act on a prompting, however random.

 

I am precious. 

So are you. 

We all need to be reminded of that every now and again.