Sunday Inspirations Oct. 5, 2008

General Conference is a weekend that occurs twice during the year (April and October) wherein our world-wide Church leaders take the opportunity to counsel and advise the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormon Church) on necessary issues. Those of you who have received my monthly family updates know what a bitter-sweet time General Conference brings to me.

Bitter because my husband's job in working for the Church requires his presence most of the weekend. He is up at 1:00 am Saturday, works until about 4:30, makes his way home, takes a quick bath, and then proceeds to the evening Priesthood Meeting.

Once home from this meeting he heads directly to bed, because Sunday he has to awake at the same time to do the same thing. Although on Sunday he gets to come home about 2:00 pm.

Though his spirits are always high, it's the week after that seems to take it's real toll. He is exhausted, but not allowed to recover. Twice a year I watch him, and as each conference passes, I can see how hard it is on him. It becomes harder to bounce back with every year.

At the same time I am being spiritually fed throughout the weekend. The sweetness and balm to my harrowed soul renews faith, hope, and a desire to be a better human being. My children watch as I spend almost two whole days silently weeping, not in sorrow, but in joy. I have never listened to a session of conference without taking away a message seemingly set aside just for me.

There have been many such messages this time around, but one has settled particularly upon my heart: to pray a prayer of thanksgiving. Have you ever tried this? I know I haven't. Elder David A. Bednar and our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, spoke on the need of expressing gratitude to the Lord for all that we have, even those things that do not immediately bring thanks to mind.

Today I wish you offer a prayer of thanks, for I have so much to be thankful for.

I am grateful for a loving husband, who is dedicated in his work, who loves and adores his family, who is a worthy priesthood holder, and who puts his heart and soul into serving the Lord.

I am grateful for parents who raised me in a loving and peaceful home, who show me what it means to endure well, who have become wonderful friends as well as Mother and Father, and who have set a marvelous example of what I desire to become.

I am grateful for the two brothers I was blessed to grow up with, who we always dedicated in attending Church meetings, who set a marvelous example for me in going on missions, and who I love more than they can possibly know.

I am grateful for the women who married these two brothers of mine, for the peace and love they have brought to our world, for the strong and patient women they are, for their dedication to family, work and Church. I have learned much from them.

I am grateful for my husband's parents, for the warmth with which they welcomed me into their family, for the extraordinary home they have created over the years, for the love and laughter they have brought to my life.

I am grateful for the remarkable siblings of my husband. They have shown me how a close relationship between family members is not only possible, but a thing to be worked at to enjoy. They are such a support and blessing to me.

I am grateful for the women who married all those Walker boys. If only they could know how much they make my heart sing, how much I look forward to talking with them, and how much they inspire me to break out of my shy-mold.

I am grateful for friends. So many have come and gone in my life, yet they have all touched my life for good. They are the models I have used to create all that is good in my heart. Even if hundreds of miles and many years have separated us, I still rejoice in the people they are and pray for their happiness. I ache when they ache, and sing when they sing.

I am grateful for my children. They are a remarkable example to me, and some of the brightest lights in my life. I cherish every kiss, every hug, every cuddle, and feel to the depths of my soul their every heartache. They forgive me when I am less than perfect, and show one another much love. I can only pray this relationship will remain so close as they years pass. I am in awe that my Heavenly Father blessed me with such remarkable angels.

I am grateful for my trials. With every one I learn more and more of their purpose in my life. I appreciate the knowledge and growth I gain with every hardship. I embrace the opportunity to learn something new, and hold tight to the faith I have earned.

I am grateful for my testimony, for the strength with which it flows through me. I am grateful for the chance to share it with those around me, even if it's only in little ways.

I am grateful for the Holy Ghost, for what he has blessed me with: my testimony, comfort when I was heart broken, revelation into my life or that of my children, inspiration in my dealings with others. Without this special spirit, I would have none of these.

I am grateful for my elder brother, Jesus Christ, who I am striving to get to know better. I can't even begin to say how much He is in my thoughts these days, for which I am blessed. He is my truest example, my rock in stormy weather, my companion on good days. I owe more to Him than I can ever repay, and yet I want to work hard to deserve all that He has willingly given me.

Most of all, I am grateful for my Heavenly Father. He and I have many conversations in my head and my heart. He is my constant companion, the essence of whom I see in the men in my life, the one whose shoudler I frequently lay my head upon when it becomes too heavy to hold up on my own. That He loves me I have no doubt, and never will. He has taught me so much, and through His influence I hope to continue learning forever. I want to live my life in such a way that I will one day be able to feel His embrace and hear the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

I am grateful for so much more, but ask that as you read these words, you will take a moment to let those in your life know the blessings they have been in your life.