Another great conference address; this one about life, and living, with simple purpose.

A few years ago, my husband and I served together in a small branch at a care center. Mostly, there were elderly women who had lost husbands, and even children. They weren’t terribly happy to still be among the living, in fact, some asked for repeated blessings and prayers asking the Lord to release them so they could return to their final home. One by one, they passed on and we would attend their funerals where we finally got to really know them. Time and time again, we would marvel how we seemed to be meeting these wonderful people backwards—seeing them at the end of their lives, and learning of their life’s accomplishments at their funerals.

Our mortal sojourn, in this world, is not often seen for what it really is—a huge blessing—in each of our lives. I still remember the moment when I realized for the first time that every single person who has ever lived, and will live, deals with problems; that it isn’t just me. But even through our problems, we can find happiness according to the way we choose to live our lives.

John H. Vandenberg, who was serving as the Presiding Bishop at this time, gave this address, “Turn Heavenward Our Eyes,” where he explained the Plan of Salvation, our part in it, and how glorious it is to know God. In a world as dark as ours, these reminders offer incredible hope and resolve to keep walking the path.

In the first chapters of Moses, he has a conversation with God about His eternal purposes. God shows Moses the lifespan of the earth, and all its inhabitants, “and there was not a soul which he beheld not” (Moses 1:28). Our Heavenly Father later states, “all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them” (Moses 1:35). Are there many more comforting words than these? God knows each one of us intimately and He shares us with one of His greatest prophets, Moses. Likely, He has shared each one of us with all of His prophets. It is to His great glory that the work of His prophets, and all of us, “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

So now, Bishop Vandenberg asks us,

“The choice we are now concerned with is how we are going to live our lives. We have the agency to make that choice as we react to the conditions in which we find ourselves during our life span. We must make choices, as we are surrounded by the elements and resources of the earth as well as by the people with whom we associate. From the words of the prophets to the words of the atheists, the question is: How will we emerge? Will we rise or fall? Will we fulfill our life’s purpose, or will it be wasted?”

This past week, we attended yet another funeral of one of our dear, sweet “ladies.” We knew her to be kind, soft-spoken, and loving and it was clear she was genuinely like this throughout her life. Did she accomplish anything great in her lifetime? Did she fulfill her purpose? I personally believe she did. In spite of pain, depression, illness, and constant struggles, she exhibited trust and faith in God. She was always reaching out to others and she always had a beautiful smile on her face. Her cheerful outlook on her imperfect life brought people to her, thus to Christ. She didn’t have to be rich, famous, or powerful. She simply chose well and chose God.

Because we come to this earth having forgotten our eagerness to come down here, we tend to lose our way when we are attracted to other voices. Satan wants us to think that the world can bring us happiness. Yet what is the world, but God’s creation? God has given us all we need—and more—to fulfill His simple purposes. It is to our advantage to learn quickly, and in turn, share it with others. In Bishop Vandenberg’s words:

“Those who are a blessing to the world will try to do these things: (1) lend a helping hand, (2) refrain from infringing upon the rights of others, (3) obey God’s laws and the laws of the land, (4) stand up for the right and fight against evil, and (5) share the truth with others, remembering, and remembering well, that the greatest gift of God is his plan of salvation.”

I appreciated these thoughts from this wise bishop. They were timely for me, and worthy of another reminder. My Heavenly Father knows me, He loves me, and He desires my happiness. His purpose is to see that my happiness can last for eternity. My life on this earth is but a small moment, yet determines how my eternity will be. The sooner I capture His plan in my heart, the sooner I can help others along the way. And as I participate in this great work, I can actually enjoy some immediate happiness today and every day. I so testify of these things.

Here are the other posts for the General Conference Odyssey:

Where Are We and Where Are We Going? Daniel Ortner

“The True Gift” Michelle Linford

Strategies for Seeking the Lost Nathaniel Givens

Glimpses of Heaven G

The Starry Heavens and the Moral Law Ralph Hancock

Lost People SilverRain

LDS Conference October 1971- Shame, the Potemkin ’50s, and Generational Wonders J. Max Wilson

“And, Behold, Thou Art My Son” Walker Wright