conferencing

General Conference is this weekend and I have been excited about it for weeks. I'll admit, the idea of watching church on the couch in my pajamas is enticing but that's not it. There's something comforting about the idea of spending the weekend home with my family being spiritually fed.

One of my favorite stories in the Book of Mormon is when King Benjamin gave an address to his people. All of the righteous families gathered together to listen to the prophet and directed their tents to the temple. I used to imagine how great that must have been to feel safe as a family listening to the prophet King Benjamin. Then I realized that I get to do this twice a year.

During General Conference, for two days my home feels even more sacred. Gathered together, I feel like we are protected from the evils and perils of the outside world. I am always sad when the prophet bids us farewell during the Sunday afternoon session.

I also love Saturday evening when D puts on his Sunday best and leaves for Priesthood session. This is partly because he is so handsome and his good looks are always amplified when he wears a suit but also because I know that when he returns, he will bring home wisdom and inspiration that will bless and strengthen our little family.

Another reason I love conference is because, often, they sing my second favorite hymn. I did not fully appreciate the familiar lyrics of How Firm A Foundation until I was older. The best verse is the third. It is unique because it is the only verse of the song (or most hymns for that matter) which is written from the point of view of the Savior. In it, he promises:

"Fear not, I am with thee,
Oh be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand."

For someone who is a chronic worrier, do you have any idea how many times I have been dismayed? I will tell you, it is a lot of times.

On more than one occasion, when my emotions have been gripped with anxiety, my mind occupied with an endless stream of tragic what if scenarios, I have been in a Sunday service, stake conference, or other church meeting and this hymn has been sung. Each time, a thought that was not my own confirmed to me that it was not a coincidence. It was as though the Spirit was tapping on the shoulder of my soul reminding me of the promise the Savior made. And each time, I have been comforted enough to take a breath, put a smile on my face, and carry on.

This hymn is a message from the Savior for anyone having a bad day.

I like to think of my pioneer ancestors with aching backs, bleeding feet, and hearts heavy for loved ones lost, humming this hymn and taking one more step.

I do not face the daunting task the early stalwart saints had to endure. In fact, my blessings outnumber my trials. But on days when the path ahead of me seems dark, the ground beneath me unsteady, and my burdens heavy, this song reminds me that I am not in charge. The Lord will not let me down.

So, this conference weekend, I will be listening for my hymn but if I do not hear it then, I will listen to it here or singing it to myself.