An Uplifting and Encouraging Weekend

     For me, this was an especially uplifting weekend as our church held its Semi-annual General Conference.  Twice a year, each year, our members are given two days of instruction--an opportunity to be inspired,  assess our lives, and refocus our priorities.  What seemed to stand out most to me was the counsel to do away with the habits and tendencies that keep me from being a true follower of Jesus Christ. Now this is not new counsel.  As Christians, every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made covenants at baptism to be a witness for Christ and to follow Him.  However, as very fallible mortals we sometimes get caught up in our frustrations and in the things of this world, and we forget the very sacred promise we have made.
      Maybe you're a little like me. Sometimes I get frustrated because there are failings I've had for years that I seem to overcome for awhile--sometimes even a long while--but then, in moments of intense stress, they reappear.  I have to wonder, will I ever really overcome my faults or do they just go unchallenged for a season or two?  As I assess myself, I am reminded of the words of Ghandi, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.  Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
     There is nothing that makes me more sad than to think that I am not living up to my promise, or that someone might look at me and be led to believe that I am not a Christian.  Yet, I know my weaknesses, and I've had to ask myself,  "How like Christ am I, or am I too often very much unlike Him?"   I admit to glaring deficiencies.  Happily, this conference, like all others, gave specific instructions for helping me do better. The spirit conveyed by each speaker was so positive that I actually found myself, not feeling defeated or discouraged, but believing I can accomplish this.  I can be more loving, more patient, more prayerful, more gentle, more forgiving, more faithful, more attentive to the needs of others.  I can, in short, be more aligned with my promise at baptism to stand as His witness.  Though I may never claim perfection, I can do these things more consistently.
      I was especially impressed by the counsel to "look up".
http://lds.org/general-conference/watch/2011/10?lang=eng&vid=1194937426001&cid=8
When the burdens of life seem particularly heavy, it is easy to look down, to feel discouraged or unworthy, or angry.  In looking up, we can focus on the true source of strength, Jesus Christ, and be renewed with courage and hope.  We can be reminded that we do not have to do anything we do alone!
     Perhaps I was in a particularly searching frame of mind, but I heard many specific suggestions given for remembering the Savior and becoming more like Him.  Now, most of these are not new, but I could implement some of them more often.  Among them: 

• Memorizing some scripture passages that are meaningful to me, realizing those passages will provide inspiration and direction for my life

• Looking for specific answers to my problems as I study the scriptures, trusting that the Holy Ghost will communicate with me, giving me the guidance I need
• More diligently praying for and serving others
• Realizing that my challenges are a part of my eternal growth, not a punishment
• Recording personal impressions and insights and following the direction they supply
• Recognizing the blessings I have received and giving liberal thanks for those gifts
• Being more patient and charitable--for no other spiritual gift can compensate for a lack of charity  

     When the stresses of life are upon us, it can be so easy to forget who we are at our best, and who is our perfect example.  I am so grateful for the messages I heard this weekend. http://lds.org/general-conference/watch/2011/10?lang=eng
They remind me that it is possible to try a little harder, do a little better, and become a little more like the my Savior.  I will probably always struggle.  I'm not perfect, though I try to be loving.  I am not always thoughtful, though I strive to be kind.  I'm not consistently calm, though I endeavor to be patient and loving.  Luckily, I have the best teacher--Jesus Christ, and the perfect pattern--His life.
     The  talks I heard this weekend were such great reminders because they were given in a spirit of love and kindness--which is a perfect reflection of His spirit.  The spirit I want to emulate.


TODAY'S  GENTLE  REMINDER:  "Be not weary in well-doing, for...out of small things proceedeth that which is great."  (D&C 64:33;
2 Thes. 3:13; Gal.6:9).