General Conference is a time when we have the opportunity to hear the words of God through his servants, the prophets and apostles. I never appreciated this opportunity as much as I should have before October, 2012. I loved listening, but I think I might have liked the comfortable couch we sat on, or the pajamas I got to watch it in, or sleeping past the usual time we wake up to go to church more. My parents and leaders had always told me that I should appreciate it, and that I should take the time to prepare myself for it by writing down any questions I had in my heart, but I couldn't imagine how one man speaking to millions of people could answer the questions I had... So I never did. Until one day when one question I had just could not wait anymore. I was working in my new career that I loved, I was dating someone, and I was enjoying my time with the friends and family that lived very close, but something wasn't right and I was starting to feel like there was a greater plan that I wasn't aware of. I finally decided to take the advice of my parents and leaders and bring my question to General Conference. I knelt and prayed a week before Conference with my question, "what do I do with my life?" and all that week I felt anxious. I could not wait. My friends and I gathered to listen to the first session of General Conference on Saturday and I was ready to scrutinize every single word to find my answer, but I didn't have to listen long. I didn't even have to listen past the 7 minute "Welcome to Conference" talk President Monson gave first. He announced the change in the age at which young men and young women could serve missions, but all I heard was, "Today I am pleased to announce that [Christen] who ha[s] the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."
And that was all I needed.
I am here, in Virginia, USA, thousands of miles from home and family, speaking a foreign language, serving the Lord, and loving every minute of my new devoted life because of a question I asked two years ago, and the answer I received during General Conference. God has a plan for YOU, and He reveals that plan to His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). God knows the desires of your hearts and He is preparing prophets and apostles RIGHT NOW to be able to answer the questions of your soul during General Conference. Don't miss an opportunity to have your plan laid out in front of you this October. Come to Conference with a question and if you are listening you will hear the answer.
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| My brother, Matthew, and I the day that I got my mission call letter :) |
