All I Really Need to Know I Learned in General Conference

One of my favorite essays is by Robert Fulghum and titled "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." I used to have it on a poster displayed in Seth's room until he decided he was way too old and sophisticated for such a "baby" wall hanging. It speaks of the very basic social decencies taught to 5-year-olds that, if embraced by all humankind, would undoubtedly transform the world. This past weekend was the semi-annual General Conference of my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As I listened to the conference talks, it occurred to me that right now, at this exact moment in my life, I could rephrase the title of Fulghum's essay to say

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in General Conference.

These are the things I learned:

Every individual is loved and important. Helpers are just as important as leaders. When we sacrifice in order to send our children on missions or to college, the blessings are great for both us and them.

Missionaries are needed everywhere. I should be preparing and saving now for two decades down the road when, as circumstances allow, I might be in a position to serve a full time mission. As an aside, I think that is a wonderful idea, except they really need to stop referring to these people as "senior" missionary couples. I'm pretty sure that even 20 years from now, I won't be too excited to be called a "senior." Nevertheless, I should be preparing!

As a parent, I am the most significant role model for my children, certainly the two teens and the 10-year-old, but perhaps even the two young adults to some extent. Being someone's primary role model is serious business. I should model nothing that I would not wish them to emulate. Wow.

The commandments are for my protection, not my restriction. They allow me to safely navigate my way though this earthly probation, unable to be caught by the temptations and snares that are everywhere.

Trees are like airplanes. And they are also like us. When trees experience adverse conditions, their growth slows down a bit. When airplanes experience turbulence, wise pilots slow down a bit until the turbulence has passed. When we experience periods of stress, sometimes it's best to slow down the pace of our lives a bit until the stress has passed. In stillness, we can be assured that, despite adversity, we are in the constant care of a loving Heavenly Father.

There are two lines of communication between us and our Father in Heaven, one personal and one through church leadership. We are entitled to both, and we need both.

Gratitude is always the best attitude.

I learned many other things as well, but these are the ones I remember most clearly.


Kindergarten was no doubt great, but All I Really Need to Know I Learned in General Conference.