A Gathering, a Waterfall, and Three Views from One Spot

General Conference is less than two weeks away.  In many ways I look forward to the twice yearly General Conference like I look forward to family reunions. I love it when the speakers say something like "we meet again" or "we're back together again" because I feel that sense of togetherness even when I am thousand miles away from the Conference Center tuning in via Internet. I know that many of the people I have loved most in this my life (my family, my college roommates, my mission companions, my close friends) are also tuning in wherever they are.

One of my favorite things about my religion is that I've always known that (1) I can take my questions directly to God and (2) He is always ready to talk--sometimes He gives answers but sometimes He has more questions so that I'll think more about something.  We call this process personal revelation.  We also believe that revelation is given to us as a worldwide church through leaders (apostles and general authorities) who were called to represent God on this earth just like in ancient days.  When I listen to conference, in addition to feeling that gathering sensation, I also feel a sensation more aptly described as a flood, a waterfall of new ideas and inspiration, as speaker after speaker addresses the thing they felt most impressed to share and teach, and they are all good.  Sometimes certain talks are so applicable to my life that I can't help but think they were given for me and me alone.

As a sidenote, when we were at the Conference Center in SLC this summer I mostly walked each floor imagining what it was like with thousands of people moving towards their seats, pen and notepad in hand, turning off their cell phones and holding onto the elbows of their friend or spouse or roommate.  But when I wasn't doing that I soaked in the impressions left by the artwork alone.  From just one position I looked up and snapped a shot, and then I looked forward and snapped another, and finally I glanced down and took another photo.  Beauty was everywhere!

But I digress.  This month's message about the upcoming general conference from the presidency of our Church was written by President Dieter F. Uctdorf and this is the part that stood out most:

"[We] are entitled to personal revelation as [we] listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

"As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.

"Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase.  At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song.

"A heart filled with gratitude for the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation."

For more of September's message click here.