Five more sleeps til General Conference! I honestly don't recall a time before where this wonderful event has held such anticipation, excitement or personal preparation. We have all been forced into a dramatic 'reset' of our lives as we shelter & stay safe, stay home, world-wide because of COVID-19. Yet six months ago when General came to a close Pres Nelson, our Prophet, called each of us to prepare ourselves. We all thought it was for the next conference, now perhaps we have a slightly different perspective. Many took his counsel to heart, many got very creative in ways to prepare. And ultimately the preparation, if we took the challenge, has indeed prepared us for far more than we had expected. And now we are all anxiously, and excitedly counting down the days til we can hear our beloved Prophet's voice. A calm, loving voice in a world of more chaos than the majority of us have ever been surrounded by.
As I read Jarom's words in the Book of Mormon, likening his words unto me. He said, "...our leaders were mighty men (and women) in the faith of the Lord." Jarom 1:7 he goes on to say, "..And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us...." Jarom 1:9. Because they had been prepared, the enemy didn't get the upper hand. The enemy didn't go away, they didn't lesson their attacks and strategy against the faithful few, but they did not overtake these faithful few. Because of the Lord-led preparation.
It doesn't matter that we may have stumbled in our preparation, it doesn't matter that our world has been thrown into fear, worry and chaos, the likes of which few could ever have imagined. It doesn't matter that evil meets us every day, it doesn't matter that we are each in isolation. Our enemy will not prosper against us! The struggles around us in the world, will not defeat us. Our promises are sure, we have "...leaders who are mighty in the faith of the Lord...." And with this slow-down, this reset, this preparation, we are each ready, willing and eager to hear the words of the Lord in just 5 more sleeps here in America.
Woven in the words of these mighty leaders we will feel their love, we will feel their calm assurances, we will take to heart their counsel, and ultimately come closer to Christ. It may take some skittles for conference bingo, it may take some home-made cinnamon rolls, it may involve note-taking as the Spirit speaks privately to us, it may take quiet, reverent reflections. However above all else, we have been given such an incredible gift to quiet the noise of the world and the adversary, to anticipate and enjoy this semi-annual event in a way we may never have before. Maybe this latter-day plague called COVID-19 is truly blessing in disguise...of epic, Biblical proportions. Maybe with all the quiet around us, we can hear from these mighty leaders in an unprecedented manner. Maybe what they will share with us, needs to be heard clearly, without dilution, without distraction, with a heart prepared and open.
May we each make the final preparations that will allow the Spirit to fill our homes and hearts as we listen to the saving word of God through his Prophets and leaders, mighty in their faith of the Lord. Enjoy!
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