Study Guide for "A Yearning for Home"

In his General Conference talk, "A Yearning for Home," President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, explores the profound inner longing that each of us has to return to our heavenly home. He beautifully illustrates this concept with the story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog, who traveled thousands of miles to reunite with his family. President Uchtdorf emphasizes that God calls each of us to return to Him, and by heeding this call, our lives will be enriched, and we will be instruments in God's hands to bless others.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What can we learn from the story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog?
How does President Uchtdorf describe our inner yearning for a heavenly home?
What are the two reasons President Uchtdorf gives for turning to the Lord?
How does following the Savior impact our lives, according to President Uchtdorf?
What does President Uchtdorf say about our usefulness in God's work?

Topics

Recognize Our Yearning for a Heavenly Home

President Uchtdorf begins by recounting the story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog, who traveled over 2,000 miles to return home. He uses this story to illustrate the innate yearning within each of us to return to our heavenly home. This longing is a divine guidance system that draws us to our Heavenly Parents.

Is it possible that human beings have a similar yearning—an inner guidance system, if you will—that draws them to their heavenly home?

Deep within us is a longing to somehow reach past the veil and embrace Heavenly Parents we once knew and cherished.

What does the story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog teach us about our own yearning for a heavenly home?
How does President Uchtdorf describe the inner guidance system that draws us to our Heavenly Parents?
When have you felt a longing to return to your heavenly home?
How can you nurture this inner guidance system in your daily life?

Understand That God Calls to Us

President Uchtdorf emphasizes that God knows us intimately and calls to us, regardless of our circumstances. He extends an invitation to follow the Savior and assures that by doing so, we will feel a confirmation that we are on the right path.

God calls to you.

The Savior extends His hand to you. And, as He did to those fishermen who stood long ago on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, with infinite love He speaks to you: "Come, follow me."

If you will hear Him, He will speak to you this very day.

How does President Uchtdorf describe God's call to us?
What does it mean to follow the Savior, according to President Uchtdorf?
How have you felt God calling to you in your life?
What steps can you take to better hear and respond to God's call?

Know That Your Life Will Be Better

President Uchtdorf testifies that turning to the Lord will improve our lives, not by removing trials but by removing barriers between us and God's help. He explains that following the Savior brings the fruits of the Spirit, which sustain us even in difficult times.

I testify that when we embark upon or continue the incredible journey that leads to God, our lives will be better.

Following the Savior will not remove all of your trials. However, it will remove the barriers between you and the help your Heavenly Father wants to give you.

What does President Uchtdorf say about the impact of following the Savior on our lives?
How do the fruits of the Spirit sustain us during trials?
How have you experienced God's help in your life?
What can you do to remove barriers between you and God's help?

Realize That God Will Use You

President Uchtdorf explains that as we journey back to Heavenly Father, we will become blessings in the lives of others. He emphasizes that God uses our humble efforts, regardless of our perceived limitations, to accomplish His purposes.

Blessings will come not so much because of your abilities but because of your choices.

No matter your position in your community or in the Church, God will use you, if you are willing.

How does President Uchtdorf describe our usefulness in God's work?
What principle does President Uchtdorf highlight about God's use of our efforts?
How have you seen God use your efforts to bless others?
What choices can you make to be more useful in God's work?

Acknowledge That We Can’t Get There on Autopilot

President Uchtdorf stresses that discipleship requires active effort and commitment. He encourages us to strive to learn of God, understand His instructions, and apply them earnestly, emphasizing that this journey is our personal responsibility.

No, life is not a self-driving car. It is not an airplane on autopilot.

You cannot just float in the waters of life and trust that the current will take you wherever you hope to be one day.

What does President Uchtdorf say about the effort required for discipleship?
How does he describe the personal responsibility we have in our journey back to Heavenly Father?
What steps can you take to be more proactive in your discipleship?
How can you better understand and apply God's instructions in your life?