Conference Weekend

This weekend is our churches semi annual General Conference, which is broadcast all over the world. It got me thinking about an October conference nine years ago. I was in France, not even there for a month, not understanding the language very well, my trainer was from a teeny town in Utah (Beaver. seriously. Beaver.) and I was not happy. Even though I was in France. We went to Bayonne for it since our little building in Tarbes didn't have what was needed to get it. My mission, as it is for many others, was a bit of a crucible for me. To see what I was made of. Sitting there, I heard this talk. And it was like it was spoken right to me. As I am rereading it now, nine years later, I still get a bit emotional. Partly because this is still very applicable in my life. And I think it can apply to us all. No matter what our faith. Here are some bits and pieces of his talk.

On those days when we have special need of heaven's help, we would do well to remember one of the titles given to the Savior in the epistle to the Hebrews. Speaking of Jesus' "more excellent ministry" and why He is "the mediator of a better covenant" filled with "better promises," this author--presumably the Apostle Paul--tells us that through His mediation and Atonement, Christ became "an high priest of good things to come."¹

Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. Moroni spoke of it in the Book of Mormon as "hope for a better world."² For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. It is enough just to know we can get there, that however measured or far away, there is the promise of "good things to come."

Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek. He does love you, and He knows your fears. He hears your prayers. He is your Heavenly Father, and surely He matches with His own the tears His children shed.

I can't copy and paste the whole thing here, but this is the basic part of his talk, saying that there is hope, that He can see the silver lining even when we cannot. But I highly suggest you go here and read the whole thing. I love his personal story at the end. I wish you could hear him give this talk in person.

At that particular point, it gave me the motivation that I needed. That I could speak French. That the rain wouldn't kill me. That I could get along with this small town girl (cause I'm a city girl). That I wouldn't lose my mind and that I would survive. And now, it gives me hope that if I keep trying to do things in the Lords way, the things that I'm dealing with will get better. Who knows when, but it will. And it will for you, too.