From YA Weekly
3 Questions to Ask Yourself During General Conference Weekend
These questions can help you focus on what God has to say to you.
As disciples of Jesus Christ and members of His Church, we can find answers to our most heartfelt questions during general conference.
This has happened to me many times!
However, there have also been times when I wasn’t sure what questions to ask or how to make conference feel more personal.
It’s important to prepare our minds, hearts, and homes to listen to our leaders on this sacred weekend, but what if we’re unsure of what questions to ask?
If that’s the case, here are three suggestions that might help you find the guidance you’re seeking:
1. What Am I Doing Well?
As conference approaches, it can be easy to focus on what you’re not doing right. But messages from Church leaders shouldn’t discourage you—Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want them to encourage you. These messages can help you see your strengths, build on them, and keep bringing the Savior’s light into your life.
Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently taught: “The intent of the Father’s great plan of happiness is your happiness, right here, right now, and in the eternities. It is not to prevent your happiness and cause you instead worry and fear.”
What are you doing well? What’s bringing you joy? How are you bringing others joy?
Consider how you show up for your calling, even when you’re short on time. Maybe you have the desire to spend time in the scriptures, even if your studying isn’t always consistent. Perhaps repenting daily is helping you understand the Savior’s Atonement and how He is helping you “prosper by degrees” (Mosiah 21:16). Or maybe recently you were patient with someone who wasn’t being very kind to you.
You’re doing better than you think you are, friend.
There is always room for growth and improvement, but as you listen throughout the weekend, focus on your strengths and how you can use your goodness, your talents, and your capabilities to bless others and continue to become like the Savior.
2. What Can I Add and What Can I Remove from My Life?
Listening to hours of invitations and figuring out how to apply them all can be slightly overwhelming. However, our leaders aren’t asking you to make all these changes at once.
In fact, President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, His gospel provides an invitation to keep changing, growing, and becoming more pure. It is a gospel of hope, of healing, and of progress. Thus, the gospel is a message of joy! Our spirits rejoice with every small step forward we take.”
When listening to the messages at conference, consider focusing on what goodness you can add and what you can start removing from your life, one step at a time. Maybe you want to spend less time on social media and more time reading scriptures. Or maybe you want to spend more time in the temple and less time on the couch.
As you pray and ask Heavenly Father for guidance and help, He will show you how to start taking these small and simple steps that will lead to great change and, ultimately, more joy.
3. What Does Heavenly Father Want Me to Know Right Now?
Sometimes we want Heavenly Father to give us a step-by-step playbook for every decision we have to make. Heavenly Father knows so much more than we do, and that includes the desires of our hearts and the miracles we are seeking. This conference weekend, instead of asking for a detailed plan, maybe you can focus on the most important thing He wants you to know right now.
Pay attention to the words, phrases, and themes that pop up each session. Write them down and pray for help in recognizing what He wants to say to you.
As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently reminded young adults: “I urge you to believe your life will be infinitely better if you rely on God to guide your steps. He knows things you cannot possibly know, and He has a future prepared for you that you cannot possibly imagine.”
Whatever questions you take to general conference, know that Heavenly Father wants to speak to you. If you give Him your time, your heart, and your sincere attention, you might be surprised at what messages He has for you!