Does a one-legged duck swim in a cirlce?! Yes, I'm excited. Very excited. I love General Conference more than warm chocolate chip cookies and a giant glass of cold milk. Questions will be answered, the spirit will be felt, and life will be better.
I didn't always love conference as much as I do now, though. I remember growing up, the reason I loved conference was because I didn't have to put church clothes on and go to church. I got to lay on my couch in whatever clothes I wanted, curl up with my favorite blanket, and sleep for two good hours. Then I would wake up, have a delicious meal, and promptly retire to the same couch for another uninterrupted two-hour nap. When I started to get a little older, my mom started interrupting my naps periodically, but they were still delightful. That all changed one year.
I was a sophomore in high school. At this point in my life I was making a slightly more diligent effort to stay awake, but I was by no means the model conference watcher. I went to the Priesthood Session with my dad and my brothers as was the tradition. I was already looking forward to our semi-annual Fuddruckers trip after the session. The metal chairs in the back of the dark chapel are much harder to sleep on than my self-contoured couch at home. Plus, I had made a personal commitment not only to stay awake, but to pay attention the whole time. The last three speakers of every Priesthood Session are the First Presidency. At the time, they were Pres. Faust, Pres. Monson, and Pres. Hinckley. I don't remember what Pres. Faust talked about, but I remember being captivated. I couldn't look away. I don't remember a single word he said, but I distinctly remember how I felt. Pres. Monson then spoke about Priesthood Power. I don't remember much of that talk either. I've always loved Pres. Monson's talks, though, and been impressed by his lifelong commitment to the Spirit. Pres. Hinckley spoke about why we do some of the things we do. Again, much of what was said has slipped my memory. I need to go back and review those talks, but their impact changed my life.
I remember watching those three men speak. It all became so clear. They were actually what I had believed all along. They were Heavenly Father's servants on earth. They speak with Him. The impact of this knowledge changed my perspective. There are actually people on earth who receive instruction from Heavenly Father for His church. These instructions were not just for members of the "Mormon" church. These men spoke in behalf of Heavenly Father and He was the Father of everyone on earth. This is why it was so important to my parents and grandparents to watch and pay attention to conference. It was more than something they were "supposed" to do.
This experience changed the way I look at a lot of things. I now look forward to conference. I relish the opportunity to listen. I have no problem staying awake anymore. Answers come and I understand their source now. The talks we get to hear this weekend will provide direction from a Heavenly Father that knows us individually and cares about our individual progress. Booyah! Here's to an amazing conference weekend!
