“I remember it clearly—
the day I marched to the forge and locked myself in, refusing to come out until I made it.
Until I finished what I started.
This forge is busy and full to the brim with people and noise and talent and words. I took my tarnished metal and stuck it in the fire; sweat poured down my face as I glanced around at everyone else and their roaring flames—how far along were they?
We bend over our forges, consumed with our work and the belief that if we just push a little harder or try a little more, then we can finally rest in our joy.
I shaped and I molded, I crafted and I polished, and once it was finished, I held up my creation to admire.
It glinted in the dim light of my leftover fire, the flames dancing over the carefully placed gems and spires of silver. But as I raised my hands to place this hard-won crown on the top of my head, I caught a glimpse of my reflection and I froze.
I already had a crown.
Simple but beautifully made.
Whole. Glistening. Unbreakable and invaluable.
And I’d been wearing it this whole time.
I looked back at everyone hunched over their fires, forging their creations, unwilling to see, to look up and realize, that their own crowns were already finished and resting on their heads.
Somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that we had to prove our worth, that we had to prove we belong.
That is a lie.
Consider this my coronation.
Consider this yours.”
_____
I thought Nicole Adair‘s writing perfectly went with D&C 76:94, “They who dwell in his presence […] see as they are seen and know as they are known, having received of his fulness and of his grace.”
I was in the thick of thin things earlier this week. I prayed to God and He reminded me of that crown. He reminded me of the queen I can become.
So, in that moment, I tried my best to “queen up” as I’ve heard someone say.
Remember, “You are something divine, more beautiful and glorious than you could possible imagine.” Dieter F Uchtdorf
We are already wearing the crown.
See as you are seen.
Know as you are known.
Lean in to your maker.
Dwell in His presence.
And queen up.
come follow me daily 