Today we went to Stake Conference. We actually began last night with some wonderful talks and music at the Stake Center. I love the Saturday Night meetings because they seem so full of the spirit. Everyone leaves their kids with babysitters and the room is just full of people ready and able to drink in the messages and apply them to their lives. We had a great meeting, although I missed the last talk as I headed out with the baby.
Then today came and we went to the Regional Center for our meeting. We got everyone ready quickly and arrived a half hour early. We picked up Lili - I am so glad she is back in town, it was a treat to see her again - along the way. The choir was rehearsing when we arrived and it was so nice to get the kids settled and then just sit and listen to the choir. However, because I was busy getting the kids settled, I didn't have that long to really pay much attention to the rehearsal. As they were winding down I realized that I heard part of one of my favorite hymns. So I asked Bert if they had just practiced that and he said that they talked about it and it was on the program. I was so excited, I never get tired of hearing, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." It fills my soul.
The conference started and we heard from President Olsen. First of all, he is just a wonderful man. We have loved getting to know him over the years. His daughter is in our ward and she is fantastic - and their kids are unbelievable - we absolutely adore the whole family. He ended speaking about the history behind the lyrics of "Lead Kindly Light" - which is another of my favorite hymns. Then the choir sang that after his remarks. I don't know how it can just be a coincidence that two of my most favorite hymns were part of the program today.
That is when I sat up and thought - There really is something here for me to learn today. So, I listened and my heart was touched. One thing that really hit me is that President Olsen made reference of the need to not be so critical and competitive with one another - which is what I had already been pondering on recently after reading the book, "I Am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson. All of Chapter 6 emphasizes the need to not judge each other harshly, but to love and care for each other. We all have strengths and weakness and it seems we tend to judge each other on both of these. If someone has a messy house, we might think they are lazy. If someone is really nice looking we might think they are vain. If someone is quiet we might think they are stuck up. And if someone drives a really nice car we might think they are materialistic. It seems we are very prepared and ready to judge others on every aspect of their lives. And that has to end. This is not a competition. This life is a time for EACH and everyone of us to prepare to meet God. And when we were baptized into His church, we PROMISE to help our brothers and sisters. So, that is my first assignment, not to judge. I try to be good at that, trying to give others the benefit of the doubt. So, I will try harder. I am going to try not to judge others successes too harshly. I am going to try not to be intimidated by those who seem so fabulous to me. I am going to try to not covet the things others have that I do not. I am going to look at everyone and take the time to truly see them as a brother or sister, as God's child. Although I have worked so hard to not judge others - I see that I still have a ways to go
There are other things that I know I need to work on after today's conference. President Morgan touched my heart on the topic of prayer. I know that I can do better and I need to for myself and my family. President Hanks helped me realize how important preparedness is - I need to be ready for whatever the Lord has in store for me. THEN I need to be humble enough to accept whatever the Lord has in store for me. I absolutely LOVE the last line of the first verse of "Lead Kindly Light" that states this: "I do not ask to see The distant scene -- one step enough for me." I need to really attain this attitude. I need to rely on the Lord and even when I don't understand the whole big picture, I need to take comfort and be at peace with the one or two steps in front of my that I do see.
This really was an incredible meeting and I want to thank our Stake Presidency for the hard work they do for us all, for their prayers and worries and constant vigilance over us. We are truly blessed to have such honorable men serving us so lovingly.
