Not in a weird way, but in that aww...what a cute old man kind of way. The way you love your grandpa kind of way. Why am I talking about old men? Because a little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to listen to some very special and profound lovely old men of God. I'm referring to General Conference. For anyone that doesn't know what I'm talking about, feel free to find out here (yay for a possible missionary opportunity!). Anyways, I love conference. It may not appear that way when I happen to fall asleep every time, but I really do. Even with enough sleep the night before, I still have to fight the ever increasing weight of my eyelids as I watch. Which brings me back to old men. I think it's their voices. There's something so soothing about listening to old men talk. Am I the only one that feels that way? It's sad that I miss out on some great insights, inspiring words, and important life counsel when I lose the fight with my eyelids. I am getting better though, I stayed awake for more conference this time compared to October. Lucky for me they put the talks online and have the conference edition of the Ensign.
I've started reading the talks online, including the ones I was awake for. I missed some good quotes because I couldn't write fast enough or I lost (or was in the process of losing) the head bobbing battle. You know what I'm talking about. So just a heads up, future posts will probably be conference related as I read and find things I like and want to share.
One that I read today was by President Boyd K. Packer, titled "Guided By the Holy Spirit". One quote from his talk that I really liked was, "If you have been offended, forgive, forget it, and leave it alone." I needed to hear this one after an incident last week. There were some comments in a family newsletter that really upset and offended me. I need to forgive this person because they are dealing with their own pain regarding a certain matter and I need to forget about it. I have no problem with leaving it alone because I don't want to cause problems by saying anything about it. I'm a person that tries to avoid confrontation as much as possible, unless it's really necessary. Then I have no problem (*cough* my mother).
Another thing I liked from his talk came from the title page of The Book of Mormon. "And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ." I think more people need to learn this. Bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen to everyone. Don't blame God for these things. Yeah he gives us some difficult roadblocks in our lives, but it's not all him. There are other people responsible. A few years ago when my world was falling apart, surprisingly I didn't blame my Heavenly Father for what was happening. I did think "why me?"(who doesn't?), but I didn't blame him and think how he could let this happen to my family. [The why me was really more along the lines of "why more crap?" (because I've had my fair share), rather than why me instead of someone else. Not that I'm saying other people don't go through as much as me, because I'm not.]
This actually goes with something from Elder Richard's talk. "Opposition is part of our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. We all encounter enough to bring us to an awareness of our Father's love and of our need for the Savior's help." He goes on to say, "The savior is not a silent observer. He himself knows personally and infinitely the pain we face." This is so true. Confession: I know I'm definitely more consistent with my prayers when I'm going through a difficult or painful trial because I become more aware of the fact that I need more help and comfort than others can give me. It always reconfirms and strengthens my testimony of faith, prayer, and the atonement.
President Packer ended with this counsel: Do a lot of forgiving and a little repenting. I know forgiving people is hard. It's something I admit to struggling with and I'm sure many other people do too. But here's a thought. Which is harder? Forgiving someone or having to repent (admitting your mistakes to God and asking him for forgiveness)? Yes, I can be deep sometimes.
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