You Know Enough...

"We come to know what we already knew... You don't know everything, but you know enough." -Neil L. Anderson

Those 2 lines come from a General Conference address 1 year ago. And, over the past weekend, the Saratoga Stake had the opportunity to hear Elder Neil L. Anderson speak locally as he presided over our stake conference. During the 15 years we've lived here, this is the first visit from one of the 12 Apostles to our stake congregation. Needless to say, as a stake, we've all been very excited!

Elder Anderson was ordained an Apostle in 2009 following the death of Joseph B. Wirthlin. Elder Wirthlin gave such fabulous talks that I was particularly sorry to lose the cute man. I also loved Elder Wirthlin's passion for U of U football (former player, ongoing fan).

So, in my book, Elder Anderson was stepping into some large shoes to fill! Now, after I felt the spirit he brought to our Saratoga Stake Conference, I'm satisfied that he's measuring right up!

Stake conference was wonderful. Elder Anderson is kind and caring. He made an effort to mingle and to shake the hands of members. He's genuine, humble and shared comments to remind us that he may be one of the quorum of the twelve but he's also a regular guy.

When Elder Anderson was serving as a General Authority his then 14 yr. old son noted that he was pretty sure that the calling came from the Lord since he didn't think anyone else would think of his Dad.

Most of his comments at stake conference were fairly typical topics: enduring through mortality, responding to promptings, righteousness qualifying us for companionship of the Holy Ghost, looking to our Prophet (President Monson) for an example of caring for others, etc.

But, after pondering (a word I love which he used many times :) Elder Anderson's remarks and reading my notes, I realize that it was not so much what he said as the spirit you felt in his presence. There is a sincerity to his countenance. He is full of love for all people. It would be nearly impossible to be around Elder Anderson and not feel touched by the warmth of his spirit.

One thing Elder Anderson said that has been percolating in my head since yesterday relates to the gift of the Holy Ghost. Elder Anderson pointed out that having the spirit puts us in a position where there will be things we cannot do, and places we might not go, etc., because of the influence of the Holy Ghost working in our lives. Finally, he said there are also going to be things we cannot accept and he noted that this can be hard.

That final comment is profound. I don't really have much desire to be in places where I shouldn't be or do things I'd be better off not doing. But, within the world, it is hard that there will be unacceptable behavior, and while we may love the people, we cannot accept their choices as moral or okay. And, it's nice to know that even an Apostle of the Lord notes that this can be hard.