Once again thanks to my connected former roommate and current friend, I was able to attend Sunday afternoon session. There is something exciting and moving about sitting with 20,000+ people listing to the counsel of our church leaders. And singing with that many people is rather incredible too.
I know because I took copious notes of nearly every single one of the wonderful talks.
There is always an overriding theme to Conference, and this year's theme (for me anyways) was agency. There was a strong message of our individual worth, accountability, personal progression, and access to forgiveness (which is a privilege we should take full advantage of). We are all free to act and make our own choices. This is a powerful responsibility that comes with obligations because, as we were counseled, we do not have the power to choose our consequences.
I enjoyed the story about the cow in the wheat field. The fences were placed for it's protection yet it went through the fence anyway and died as a result from consuming too much wheat. "You stupid cow" the speaker said. Our Heavenly Father loves us and always, always wants what is best for us. Sometimes in our short-sightedness we fail to see why there are proverbial fences placed around us that seem to restrict our freedoms and easily forget that God always has our best interests at heart. It is a wise person indeed who truly understands how obedience does in fact lead to freedom. Freedom from addictions, freedom from despair and the terrible consequences of wrong choices. The reward of obedience is peace and joy (of course in life trouble will come but you'll have the strength and faith to make it through). And let's be honest, who doesn't want peace and joy?
That seems a much better reward than any temporary happiness I can think of.
As per usual, Elder Holland gave one of my very favorite talks. Listen to it please!
It was a little more mellow than usual but insightful and uplifting nonetheless.
Basically, remember to always be thankful and do your best to serve others in any way possible (even if it is in a seemingly insignificant way) and you'll get the gist of it.
In the words of Elder Holland, "No one of you is insignificant."
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