How Sunday Should Be

I absolutely love Conference weekend. I look forward to it and before it begins, I find myself sad it will be over so quickly. This year, I found myself feeling like a boring person for not having any conference weekend traditions as I sat in my pj's eating junk food all weekend. And then I realized that is our tradition. We wake up, have a good breakfast, stay in our pajamas until dinner time, eat junk all day and absorb what is being said. That's our tradition and that's why I'm already looking forward to April. Below are a few of my observations of the weekend.

Conference with Clara
I thought I did a good job of listening to conference. I was in front of the TV for all four sessions. However, here are some signs that I missed more than I knew as I chased Clara around, took her potty and shared treats with her. First, when the second two speakers Saturday morning mentioned something about the five new temples that had been announced, I was shocked (I had taken Clara potty during the last few minutes of Pres. Monson's first talk and had no clue I'd missed something so significant). Then, a friend e-mailed me and commented on how she loved the piece about simplifying. I don't even recall hearing that word. And finally, the following conversation with my mom Sunday evening:

Mom: I loved how Elder Cook said sometimes all we can do is pray. I needed to hear that.
Me: Huh?
Mom: Didn't you listen to conference?
Me: Yeah, but I don't remember that part.
Mom: It was today, just barely.
Me: Right. Well, things aren't quite the same with Clara. (We laughed and I then told her how I'd missed the temple announcement too).

Aside from having a Clara distraction, I think another reason I missed some of these things is because I truly believe we hear what we need to hear. Other things touched me that might have gone completely unnoticed to someone hearing the same message. But the questions in my heart were answered, just as others received their answers through words that were seemingly insignificant to me.

Messages for Me
In Seminary, I remember a teacher telling us to pray for specific thing before conference and our prayers would be answered. I do this every six months. Every six months, it works. I don't always hear direct answers to my prayers embedded in the talks, but I receive comfort and guidance and assurance that things will work out. This time was no different. But I also noticed something interesting. Saturday seemed to be a day of answers to my sincere prayers. Then on Sunday, it seemed there was so much instruction and counsel for me regarding areas of my life that I need to improve. I didn't pray for this, but I know I needed to hear it.

I can't wait to get the Ensign so I can re-read the talks. I didn't take notes (I think that was a first) and I realized why I need to: so I can remember the thoughts and feelings I have at the time I hear the message. I might not have the same inspiration next time I get to hear/read the talks. Looking back, all the talks just blur together. I do remembering particularly enjoying Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on hope and the talk (Elder Werthlin maybe?) on not being angry. When life stinks, I try really hard to laugh about it, so I enjoyed his personal experiences about when he's done the same. That alone made me laugh.

Conference was inspiring, comforting and encouraging. And my weekend was relaxing and very enjoyable. Rich with our own special kind of lazy traditions. :)