What General Conference Means to Me: Shellie D.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Shellie!

One of my favorite parts of any of the camping trips David and I have gone on was watching the sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. We arrived at the arch early in the morning while the sky was still black and all we could see was a little bit of the trail in front of us. We had to wait several hours for the sun to peek out from behind the distant mountains and continue rising until the morning was bright enough to really see our surroundings. Definitely worth the wait.

Last April, Elder Bednar gave a talk called "The Spirit of Revelation." He started by describing two experiences we have all had with light. The first is the immediate illumination that happens when we flip on a light switch in a dark room; the second is the gradual increase of light as night turns into morning. He went on to explain that revelation can come to us in both of those ways, and while we tend to talk about the miraculous "light switch" revelations like those of Joseph Smith and Paul, those manifestations are actually far more rare than sunrise revelations. God teaches us "line upon line," and as I thought about my life, I realized that it was full of sunrises, and that's a perfectly okay foundation on which to build my testimony. Elder Bednar's talk helped me recognize revelations I had received and find peace in knowing that most of the major decisions in my life have been made "line upon line" as I just tried to do the right thing. It was reassuring to realize that, like Oliver Cowdery, "as often as [I had] inquired [I had] received instruction of [the] Spirit. If it had not been so, [I] would not have come to the place where [I am] at this time."

Elder Bednar continued,

"In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps."

When I get discouraged because I can't seem to find an immediate answer, Elder Bednar's talk helps me remember the morning we watched the sun rise in the Canyonlands. I know Heavenly Father will make sure the sun rises all the way eventually; in the meantime, it's my job to press forward with the light I have been given and trust in His power to give me more.