Not Being Able to Watch Conference Live Made Me Prioritize It Even More
When I found out that I had to work over general conference weekend, I was disappointed and worried that I might miss something. So I made a plan.
General conference has always been a time of peace and rejuvenation for me. I love spending time with my family and making good food, all while getting to listen to the words of living prophets from the comfort of my own home.
As the end of my freshman year of college approached, I was looking forward to taking a break from school stress and being with my family over conference weekend. I usually worked Saturday mornings, but I was sure that the rest of the weekend would bring the relaxation I needed.
Then, a few weeks before general conference, I got my work schedule for April. To my disappointment, not only was I scheduled to work on Saturday morning, but for that entire Sunday as well. I could typically avoid working on the Sabbath, but since my job provided an essential service, I couldn’t always get out of it. I sure didn’t expect to have to work during three of the four general sessions of conference, though.
As conference weekend grew closer and my efforts to switch shifts went nowhere, I felt lost and confused. The stress of school and work had become overbearing. I’d been counting on the peace and relaxation that I associated with general conference, and I felt like I’d been abandoned. I didn’t want to spend all weekend running around trying to catch up between shifts.
When the Saturday of conference finally arrived, I put on my work uniform with a heavy heart. I spent the first hour of my shift worrying about what I was missing at conference and stressing about the homework I still had to finish between sessions. After a while, I made myself focus on serving others, smiling at each person I interacted with, and trying to do little things to help my coworkers. As I neared the end of my shift, I kept an eye on the clock, praying that we could finish quickly.
“You know what?” my supervisor announced half an hour before I was due to go. “I think I’ve got the rest of this. You can go home a little early if you want.”
I didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. I clocked out in record time and practically ran to my dorm to catch the end of the morning session. Then I hurried through my homework so I could drive home in time for the afternoon session.
As I settled down with my brothers and sisters, I couldn’t believe how bored they looked. My little siblings were playing with their toys, and my teenage brother was dozing on the couch. Meanwhile, I was riveted, and every speaker seemed to know just what I needed to hear. By the end of the session, I had taken several pages of notes.
That night, I laid out a clean uniform while I was listening to the session that I’d missed. Then I looked through my schedule for the upcoming week, blocking out chunks of time to catch up on the Sunday sessions I would be missing.
I realized that I’d never thought about or prioritized general conference so much in my life! I wouldn’t get to sit at home all weekend listening to talks, but I worked and planned and scheduled so I could pay attention to every minute.
Having to work on general conference weekend helped me listen with deeper intent and greater gratitude. I realized that even though I had always loved my conference traditions, the fact that I could watch every session at any time and in any place—and listen to my favorite talks over and over—was incredible! I gained a deeper appreciation for this opportunity. And though I might not have had the peaceful weekend I’d been dreaming of, I learned how to treasure the words of God given through His servants.
That’s what I really needed.
I was grateful when I found a new job the next semester that didn’t require me to work weekends, but I still tried to prepare for conference more purposefully. I now look at my schedule before conference and plan when I can finish homework and other obligations so I won’t be distracted. And after conference, I find time to read or listen to the talks again.
No matter what my conference plan looks like, just having one helps me truly open my mind and heart to what Heavenly Father wants me to hear through His prophets.
As young adults, we often face school or work schedules that make it difficult to give general conference our full focus. But if we approach general conference mindfully, miracles happen. Pockets of time can open up in our busy schedules, and the Spirit can flow freely, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. I know that as we recognize the importance of the words of living prophets and act accordingly, we will be blessed with spiritual strength and knowledge.
In a video interview with the Church magazines, young adults describe the blessings of having living prophets and apostles.