“Conference time is a season of spiritual revival,” taught President Howard W. Hunter, “when knowledge and testimony are increased and solidified that God lives and blesses those who are faithful. . . . a time when souls are stirred and resolutions are made to be better husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, more obedient sons and daughters, better friends and neighbors.” (Conference Report, October 1981)
It seems that general conference always seems to come right when my spiritual and emotional “batteries” are running the lowest. Have you felt that way too? Do you also find that your spiritual “batteries” are recharged by the messages delivered and the spirit that attends the sessions? I do. That is why I love general conference so much. There have been many, many times when I felt that the speaker was talking only to me—giving personal counsel and comfort that I desperately needed at that moment. Perhaps you have had that experience as well. Sometimes it is as if the Savior himself is teaching a class of one—me. In fact, He is—“whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”
This was particularly true when I was serving as a mission president. The spiritual oasis afforded by conference at that difficult and demanding time of my life was probably more appreciated and the messages more applied than at any other time. Feeling so overwhelmed by the heavy responsibilities of the calling and the pressure that I put on myself with my perfectionist tendencies and unrealistic expectations, I feared that I would be “sent over the edge” by talks that would “highlight” my spiritual inadequacy, remind me of my sins, call me to repentance, and then emphatically add to my growing list of “oughta dos.” While I was certainly reminded of things that need more of my spiritual focus, the spirit of general conference was one of building up not beating down. Listening to the Lord’s servants, like learning at the feet of the Savior, is an experience in love, lifting, hope and healing. More than at any other time in my life, the messages of general conference inspired and instructed me. I am quite sure that it was not because the talks were just better during those three years. I am convinced that because of my personal needs—the challenges I faced, the problems I encountered, and the responsibilities on my shoulders—general conference became a veritable “fountain of living waters” to which I could go for refreshment again and again and again.
Each of us has those moments –whatever your circumstances and challenges—when our spiritual and emotional batteries are run down and we feel that we are “running on empty.” Our spirits and psyche take daily battering with all the demands of raising our families, serving in the Church, and trying to be a better disciple of Christ, not to mention that constant tug of the “natural man” and the “fiery darts of the adversary.” Sometimes we feel like we are not even “keeping our heads above water.” It is easy to feel run down—like a sponge that has been wrung dry. (When our children were young, my wife, Wendy called that being “mommied to death.”) In order to do and be all that is expected of us, we have to fill that sponge up again and again. General conference is a significant way whereby we can do that.
I like to teach my students that there are things we can do before, during, and after general conference. Before, we can pray not only for those who will speak to us, but also for ourselves—that our hearts and minds will be softened and prepared for what we are going to hear. During, we can listen intently—not just to the speakers, but also to the Spirit—taking notes not just on what is said, but more important, what the Spirit teaches and prods us to do. After, let the messages of conference “stand next to your standard works and be referred to frequently” (The Teachings Ezra Taft Benson, 333) and be “the guide to [your] walk and talk during the next six months” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, 469) General conference has been and continues to be a blessing in my life. May this conference bless your lives as well. May your well of spiritual strength be filled to overflowing this weekend by the living waters provided by prophets and apostles. I can’t wait!