Best week ever.
I am exhausted. Still. Days later. But it was great. I felt like it was at least as awesome for me as it was for the girls. There were awesome speakers, incredible role models, uplifting messages, and girly activities like fashion shows, dances, and dress-up parties. It was fantastic.
I took notes through the whole thing and came out with some pretty memorable quotes. Unfortunately, I don't have my binder with me right this second, so I'll post some of my favorites later. However, the quote that stuck with me most throughout the conference was, strangely, not even mentioned in the conference. It was something that just replayed in my head over and over, and I knew I had heard it in a general conference talk somewhere, sometime. I just didn't know why it was stuck in my head. The quote was,
"I can do hard things."
Maybe it was stuck in my head because being a counselor at this conference was hard for me. It was awesome, wonderful, inspiring, and all other positive adjectives previously mentioned, but it was also a lot of work. Maybe it was stuck in my head because I felt so inspired to do something great with my life after listening to so many accomplished speakers. Or maybe it was stuck in my head because Heavenly Father was trying to tell me something...and I'm just not quite sure what that something is yet.
It wasn't until today that I remembered that I wanted to look up the talk where that quote came from. After doing a quick search, I found the talk by Elaine S. Dalton from the October 2008 General Conference. It turns out, however, that I only got half the quote right. Sister Dalton says,
"Last general conference, I was called by President Monson to be the new Young Women general president. As I stood in the presence of a prophet of God and was given this sacred trust, I pledged that I would serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. Prior to this calling, I had a small plate inscribed with a motto that read, 'I can do hard things.' That little plate bearing that simple motto gave me courage. But now if I could change that motto, it would read: 'In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.' It is on that strength that I rely today as I stand at this sacred pulpit."
1,000 times better.
In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.
Even hard things.
That quote epitomizes how I felt the entire week.
Thank goodness I didn't have to do that by myself.
And thank God I won't ever have to.
4 comments:
Oh my goodness, I bet your girls just loved having you for a counselor!! And I think that quote is going to be my motto for the mission! You're amazing!!!
How do you have dances with all girls?
My sisters went to something like that when they were younger. It was called Be Your Best Self. They had songs.
yay! i can do hard things too, but mostly because i have the gospel and amazing friends like you in my life. thanks for being amazing.i will send you a life update email soonish.
The most important factors of this conference were a) blossoming, and b) “Come take your place.” Viva la angelic back-up choir! But joking aside…I’m SO glad you got to do this. It seems we are both incredibly busy lately, but we must spend more time chatting about it. And about out bucket list. And about the handy man who steals bunk beds. And LoLo, while we’re at it… (Insert yet-to-be-named awkward hand clap)
Post a Comment