As usual, I noticed a couple of over-arching themes during General Conference: the importance of family, and agency. Family has, of course, been emphasized again and again over the last decade or so. It is the fundamental unit not only of society but of God's plan. Only as we obey God's laws, especially regarding family, will we find peace and joy.
I don't think I have ever heard such strong emphasis on agency, though. As Lehi taught Jacob, we were created "to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon.... Wherefore men are free... to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death..." (2 Nephi 2:26-27). God's plan is for us to return to Him, to become like Him. Without agency and opposition, we could not experience the growth necessary to become like Him. He has given us commandments and provided a Savior, Jesus Christ, so that we truly do have the opportunity to learn, to repent, to progress, and eventually to inherit eternal life and exaltation. He has sent the Holy Ghost to guide us, but we must invite the Holy Ghost into our lives and seek this guidance.
We were reminded that the commandments are not restrictive but rather protective. Straying outside the bounds of God's commandments can bring both physical and spiritual death. Adhering to the commandments brings peace, joy, and spiritual life. Succumbing to temptation, especially in the form of addictive activities, limits our agency. Obeying God's laws increases our agency, our freedom to choose, "as wider fields expand to view" (LDS Hymn # 116, Come, Follow Me). I loved President Uchtdorf's words, that sometimes our agency must include a choice to slow down. For example, an experienced pilot knows that there is an optimum speed speed that will minimize the effects of turbulence and traveling faster may create greater difficulties.
More than one speaker emphasized what a great gift agency is. It is a gift that no one can take from us, though we may foolishly and blindly choose to give it away. And yet we have the option, the choice to come back, to repent, to return to the Lord and follow in His way.
It has been a great weekend. Those who have participated have been spiritually fed. I know and testify that President Monson is a prophet. I felt his love as he spoke--his love for the Saints and truly for all people. It is Christ's love, expressed through His servant. I feel uplifted and have a renewed desire to try harder, to be better.
Following the last session, I also watched the program on the Kyiv Temple. It gave me chills! The Lord's work is moving forward, and there truly are faithful Saints all over the world. It is amazing that there is now a temple in the former Soviet Union! It made me think again... I still don't know what to tell people when they ask why I chose to learn Russian. I only know that I still feel drawn to that part of the world and find great joy in hearing about the progress of the Church throughout Eastern Europe. This is the Lord's work!
I look forward to continuing to study the words I have heard these last two days. I am so grateful that Jesus Christ restored His gospel in the latter-days, that we have a prophet on the earth today. I look forward already to the next General Conference and the opportunity to hear, again, from these men of God.
