President Thomas S. Monson
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A metal wedge carelessly left between limbs in a big walnut tree eventually became so embedded that it prevented normal development of the tree's limbs. A severe ice storm caused the imperfect limbs to split apart and the tree was destroyed.
"There are hidden wedges in the lives of many whom we know, yes, perhaps, in our own families . . . The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn't really matter what the issue was. It can not and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals.
"There are some who have difficulty forgiving themselves and who dwell on all of their perceived shortcomings . . . (the knowledge that Heavenly Father loves them) will bring comfort to the troubled mind and grieving heart . . . Shadows of despair are dispelled by rays of hope, sorrow yields to joy and the feeling of being lost in the crowd of life vanishes with the certain knowledge that our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us.
"Sometimes we can take offense so easily. On other occasions, we are too stubborn to accept a sincere apology."
Hidden wedges come from unresolved disputes, disappointments, jealousies, arguments and imagined hurts.
"We must solve them, lay them to rest and not leave them to canker, fester and ultimately destroy . . . May we . . . harbor no hidden wedges, but rather (love one another.)"
