Sister Linda Peterson, the 1st counselor in the stake Relief Society
presidency, spoke to us. She encouraged us to do our visiting teaching,
even though summertime is really busy. She also encouraged everyone to
participate in the stake clothing exchange in July; it will be a great
opportunity for entire families to get involved in service. We will get
more information as the date gets closer, but there will be a lot to do.
Sister Peterson read from Daughters in My Kingdom, a book published by the Church. (You can see a copy of this book online,
or get a printed one from our ward Relief Society president, Teresa
Muse.) Sister Peterson said that, like the pioneer women of early Church
history, we have trials that can be softened by the friendship of
caring sisters. Like the pioneers, we can draw strength from faith in
Jesus Christ, prayer, the Holy Ghost, and living righteously. Heavenly
Father loves us and wants what's best for us.
President Wilkinson then spoke with us. First he opened up the floor for
any questions or concerns anyone would like to discuss. There was only
one: Is it OK to save seats for people during stake conference?
President Wilkinson said he'd discuss the matter with the high council
and get an answer back to us. Then he asked what we think of the pace of
our lives. Several people commented that it's busy and fast. Someone
mentioned President Monson's talk, The Race of Life.
Another person said there are too many good things, often taking the
place of the best things. President Wilkinson said the Liahona was like
an early form of Twitter. (1 Ne 16:28-29) He said Elder Maxwell once
cautioned against "getting caught in the thick of thin things." In his October 2010 General Conference address,
President Uchtdorf outlined four relationships we should value.
President Wilkinson reminded us of these relationships and commented on
each.
1) Our relationship with God. (Matthew 22:37-40; Doctrine &
Covenants 132:24) The irony of the gospel is that the solution is the
biggest challenge--the solution to focus on our relationship with our
Heavenly Father. Some ideas from sisters for doing better at this were
to accept the plan of salvation (especially the idea that there is life
after this life), live up to Heavenly Father's expectations of us, learn
a little at a time, and rely on the Lord.
2) Our relationship with family. Do activities together. Love is spelled T-I-M-E.
3) Our relationship with our fellows. "Who needs me today?" Waste and
wear our our lives in service. (Doctrine & Covenants 123:13) Be not
weary in well doing.
4) Our relationship with ourselves. Some people criticize themselves all
day long and wind up hating themselves. Learn to see yourself as
Heavenly Father sees you.
The great commandments are to love God with all our heart, might, mind
and strength, then to love others as we love ourselves. We need to love
God first because he will never lead us astray and because loving Him
makes it possible to love others and ourselves as we should.
President Wilkinson concluded by urging us to avoid taking excessive joy
in "thin things." He further said we should enjoy the important
things--getting to know our Heavenly Father, our families, neighbors,
and ourselves.
