This past weekend we had the incredible privilege of having Elder and Sister Bednar at our stake conference. Scott and I were able to attend the Sunday session as well as a special meeting for 18-40 year old married couples. It was magnificent.
My parents took the kids for us Saturday afternoon. Instead of staying at our house, they took them home to Blackfoot for a sleepover. Suddenly, Scott and I were kidless at home for the next 18 hours. That has always been a dream of mine and immediately my mind started racing with projects and things that Scott and I couple accomplish while they were away. I felt disappointed to have to spend my precious time at a church meeting. Scott agreed, but we knew going was the right thing to do, so on we went. We grabbed a quick hamburger and raced to the church building. The gym wasn't as full as we were expecting, so we got better seats than we thought we would. The room buzzed with excited chatter and friendly greetings. To be quiet honest, it was loud. That is, until Elder Bednar walked in. The congregation stood in complete silence and respect. That was the minute I knew we were in for a real treat. That minute not only confirmed to me that I was in the presence of an Apostle of God, but that this church is bigger than I could ever imagine. It is more than I could ever know. It is REAL, it is TRUE.
Elder David A. and Sister Susan Bednar were phenomenal. They joked and laughed with each other and the audience alike. They were full of humor and fun, but balanced it so well serious spirit. The love and respect they have for each other was more than evident and they truly loved being around one another. It was a blessing to see how the hand of the Lord has touched their marriage. The meeting was a question and answer forum. The audience asked and the panel (Elder and Sister Bednar, the presiding bishop and another member from the 70) answered.
My take aways from the meeting:
Elder Bednar has footie and superman pajamas with a cape. I loved this for multiple reasons. One, because although he is an apostle of the Lord, he realizes that life is still to be enjoyed. Two, family pajamas are an important Bednar tradition. Its nothing big, but means a lot to his family and thats were his focus lies. Three, it helped me perceive him as a real person. A real person with an extraordinary relationship with God. It gave me a great example to who I could be.
He knows and loves the gospel. I was so impressed with how he answered questions right off his cuffs. He was pulling scriptures, quoting prophets, and using doctrine to complete a cohesive response. It was evident that the gospel has been a part of every aspect of his life for years. If I desire that kind of knowledge, I can have it. I'll need to work for it, but its up for grabs.
He is aware that life is hard, but he isn't afraid to talk about it. No matter the situation, circumstance or relationship...communication is key. Elder Bednar encouraged us to start an open dialogue with our children and spouses now. He stressed the importance of being a safe beacon for you children and being the first source of information to them. We discussed putting your spouse first and becoming one as a team. And as we do both of these things, our home will boast a stronger sense of family.
The most important words in a church meetings are the ones that are never said out loud. We need to focus on the language of the Holy Ghost and depend on him for truth and light and personal revelation.
I was so grateful to attend the meeting. It became increasingly clear that the adversary had a major part to my feet dragging to get to there. The spirit that Elder Bednar brought with him was undeniable. I couldn't help but feel like we are part of something bigger than we could ever imagine. The church is true, this is the restored gospel and we are part of a work that is hastening with everyday. The Lord is aware of the people in Ammon, Idaho. Which means he is aware of me and is waiting for me to come to him, truly and completely come to him. If we give up our life to him, we will be blessed beyond measure.
I love this gospel with my whole heart and thank the Lord everyday that I have knowledge of it.
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