Heeding Conference Messages

Listening is important when it comes to conference talks. Heeding the words however, is different in that it's listening to them and then acting upon those messages. I felt inspired a couple weeks ago to read the talk from Larry R. Lawrence's message, "What lack I yet?". I since have been doing a lot of praying and making changes in my life in order to stay closer to the spirit and be in tune to opportunities for service and missionary work.

For several days a person in my ward kept coming to my thoughts and finally the spirit said, "Get up and go to their home." Without hesitating, because the spirit doesn't allow for that, I got up and left my home. I didn't know what reason I needed to make the visit, but I knew I had to.

Months back, I was talking with a member of my ward and had given advice that I felt was good but maybe it didn't come out with love, like it should have. This advice hurt their feelings, even though it wasn't rude, simply not enough love was shown. They were struggling and often times didn't come to church because of different feelings. I noticed they continued not coming regularly, but didn't feel it was due to anything I did.

When I got to the door I had a prayer in my heart that I would know why I needed to be there. Immediately upon seeing them, I knew I needed to apologize for those words not coming out in a loving way. We then spent the next couple hours having a great conversation, sharing testimony and friendship.

I felt a great peace upon leaving that night that I didn't even know I needed. I am thankful for those times the Lord, through The Holy Ghost, directs us to attain those experiences. This loving member understood and immediately accepted my apology. I don't know if their lack of church attendance had anything to do with what I said, but I can be certain now that I can follow up with quick texts letting them know I missed them or that it was great seeing them at church!

We might never know what things we do and say to others that might hurt feelings. I am thankful that I followed Elder Lawrence' counsel and asked, "What lack I yet?"