When I was young (almost 10) I received what is called a "patriarchal blessing", recorded and written down afterward for reference. It affects me.

• (You can find more info on such blessings if interested, searching the site broadly, or under the "gospel topics" link somewhere maybe on the site map.)
• It, as is typical for patriarchal blessings, contains direction and counsel for my life.
• It indicated my future interests and desires, needs, possibly problems, very well, even though I was just a boy then.
• So, it helps me realize that our Father in Heaven knows each one of us individually, and cares, and counsels, and lets us make choices & try to move forward.
• I have the general understanding that that is how it goes, with patriarchal blessings, though some of the things discussed can be for the next life.
• In fact, the whole gospel plan is understood better when we remember that this life and the next are a continuous thing, not just ending here.
• (i.e.: pre-mortal, mortal, post-mortal)
• And our choices now really do matter, but it is not too late *now*, to learn, change what we should change. At the deathbed it might be too late: God judges.
• The great thing is, that because of the role of Jesus Christ, if we follow Him fully, there is both justice and mercy, in perfect fairness and balance.