Like many priesthood holders I look forward to General Priesthood Meeting as it comes around every six months. We are a blessed people. Seriously. Think of it this way: One of the many consequences of a highly digitized and connected world is a proliferation of opinion and counter opinion. It is easy to become confused. It is easy to wander after any number of voices. But with a prophet of God to guide and direct it is easy to rise above the fray and see clearly.
So it was that as I listened to President Monson speak about young men and missionary work I felt troubled. His words have never been truer and I am sure his words found their mark among many who needed to hear it. But there are many who need to hear a different message, perhaps. Would it not be refreshing if President Monson were to stand at the front of the Conference Center and say, "Now, to all you young men and women who were unable to complete your missions, for whatever reason, here's what I have to say to you..."
Were that to happen I suppose his words might be thus: Put your life in order and then put your shoulder to the wheel. There is much work to be done whether it be half way across the world as an elder set apart to preach the word of God or as an elder in a student ward.
Any surprises there? Is it necessary for President Monson to address this group?
I don't know. That's a question I'll have to ask of my son some time soon. But I've phrased President Monson's remarks incorrectly. What I would find most thoughtful is something different. He would stand in front of the Conference Center and he'd say, "Now, to all you parents who have endured the heartbreak and disappointment of having a son or daughter return from their missions early, for whatever reason, here's what I have to say to you..."
How precious his words would be.
This blog is about peace and that last line does not resonate with peace. The stated objective of this blog is to help others get their arms around a big fat epic disappointment and then move on. Getting a personal message from the prophet would be something, right. But that's not going to happen--at least not in front of millions in General Conference.
Jesus said, I'm sending you text messages all the time and you never write back; I'm sending you e-mail but it's getting caught in your spam filter. He said, all you have to do is hit the reply button to open up a meaningful dialog. (Nephi likened the scriptures unto themselves so they could be better understood, so I've taken some license here.)
So here's a message that resonates with peace, my friends: Get on your knees and let Jesus take from your shoulders that weight you're feeling. He said, my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Is it that easy? It just may be.
For those of you who have just received the worst news, it probably doesn't get any worse than how it feels right now. For me, speaking with others who know how I feel has been great medicine, and that includes frequent, blunt conversations with God. After all, I'm pretty sure He's felt more disappointment and
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