In a world that often feels rushed and heavy, the promise of the Savior’s Second Coming can feel both like a distant hope and an urgent call to action. It’s easy to wonder, “Am I ready? Am I doing enough?” During a recent address at BYU Education Week, Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, offered a message not of anxiety, but of peace. She extended a loving hand, sharing seven beautiful ways we can soften our hearts and prepare to receive Jesus Christ.

Her message wasn’t a checklist for perfection, but an invitation to become “pure vessels” in His hands, ready to be filled with His love and light. Let’s reflect on these gentle invitations together.

1. Embrace Your Unique Offering

Do you ever feel that what you have to give isn’t quite enough? Sister Yee reminds us that this simply isn’t true. You were sent to this earth to be you. Your unique gifts, your personal journey, your specific perspective—all of it is needed in the Lord’s work right now. He will not waste a single consecrated effort. Trust that what you offer, when given with a willing heart, is more than good—it is essential.

2. Cultivate a Soft and Humble Heart

Life is full of trials that are meant to humble us and draw us closer to God. Sister Yee, who is a talented artist, shared a powerful metaphor. The most beautiful and rich colors in her paintings often come from building layer upon layer of paint and glazes. In the same way, the deepest parts of our character are often forged through layers of experience—our challenges, heartaches, and moments of growth. By trusting God through each layer, our hearts remain soft and open to the Spirit, creating a masterpiece of faith.

3. Find Him in Ministering—Both Giving and Receiving

We often think of ministering as something we do for others. But it is a divine, two-way pattern. When we extend the Savior’s love to someone else, we find our own relief in Him. It’s in caring for His sheep that we feel the Shepherd’s arms around us. Just as importantly, when we humbly welcome the ministering of others, we allow them the blessing of keeping their covenants and drawing closer to God. It is a beautiful cycle of compassion and connection.

4. Trust in His Way: “The Battle is the Lord’s”

Remember the story of David and Goliath? Facing an impossible giant, David declared, “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). Like David, we can choose to let God prevail in our challenges. It’s tempting to rely on our own “sword and spear”—our own intellect, strength, or plans. But true power comes when we hand our battles over to Him, trusting in His wisdom and His ways to win the fight.

5. Anchor Yourself in the House of the Lord

Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, continually invites us to spend more time in the temple. Sister Yee echoed this, explaining why this counsel is so vital. The Lord is trying to answer our prayers. He knows that as we honor our temple covenants, we open the floodgates of heaven. The temple is where we anchor ourselves to Him, finding the power, perspective, and peace needed to navigate our lives in preparation for His return.

6. Lay Your Burdens at His Feet

Covenants are our opportunity to partner with the Lord, to counsel with Him, and to let Him carry what we cannot. Sister Yee tenderly reminded her listeners, “The Lord is not limited by mortal constraints; the Lord has time for you. You are not a burden to Him.” Whatever weight you are carrying—be it sin, weakness, sorrow, or doubt—His capacity to lift you is infinite. He is more powerful than any burden you bear.

7. Find Rest in His Timing

“Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength” (Mosiah 4:27). In our desire to do good, it can be hard to know when to rest. Sister Yee shared that when she’s painting, she sometimes has to physically turn her canvas to face the wall to stop herself from endlessly fixing it. The Lord can help us know when it’s time to “turn it to the wall”—to rest, to trust, and to let Him consecrate our efforts. When we yield our time and energy to Him, He brings a peace and joy that our own frantic efforts never could.

Ultimately, preparing for the Second Coming is a matter of the heart. It’s about letting the Savior in, day by day, choice by choice. As Sister Yee so beautifully concluded, “We have been shown the way through our Savior.” May we accept her invitation to become pure vessels, ready and waiting with joy for His glorious return.