It was in the middle of that emotional mutiny that I got the last minute call and invitation to attend a Leadership Conference in Vancouver with Elder David A Bednar. (A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles). With all the changes announced in General Conference, Relief Society presidents in our area were asked to attend...
I should have been thrilled with the invite, but instead felt this instant lack of worthiness to be there, its amazing where your thoughts go when you are struggling. And I wondered how I could manage to make the logistics work. But a dear friend stepped in and made sure I had no way of backing out of attending.
That friend also took me to the temple, something I desperately needed, but didn't realize how much until I felt the peace that can only be felt in the temple.
Saturday morning we entered the Langley chapel, were given name tags and assigned to sit in our Stakes. Nanaimo Stake got right at the front (Go Nanaimo) . They had asked us to be in our seats by 9:30, a half in hour before the meeting was to begin...We were surprised when Elder Bednar walked in early with the other visiting General Authorities.
Our area seventy Elder Murray came to the pulpit and announced that Elder Bednar and the other visitors would like to shake the hands of everyone in attendance (200+). Say what??? Being in the front we had just moments to understand what Elder Murray had just said. I hope I will always remember the love I felt as Elder Bednar looked me in the eye, shook my hand and thanked me for serving...Tears flowed as I filed back to my seat. The spirit tenderly comforted me as I sat in the pew waiting for each one to file past . Such a sweet experience at the end of a most difficult week.
We all spent the next four hours with Elder Bednar, Elder Kearon, Elder Dube and Elder Murray in a Question and Answer session...It was truly an amazing experience. And taught me that even in the midst of turmoil, with our Heavenly Father's help we can continue to serve and help those around us...
"Imagine how it would be if you didn't have to worry about someone taking it the wrong way"
"There is no rule against common sense"
"Unity is the prerequisite to receive revelation"
Much needed solace for the soul.
