MTC

For the past 6 weeks my mind has been focused on one thing: planning the program for our ward's March Enrichment to celebrate the anniversary of the Relief Society. The theme for the night was based on an exhibit at the Museum of Church History and Art called Something Extraordinary: A Sampler of Women's Gifts. The enrichment committee asked sisters to bring items for display that showcased their unique talents, we had a nice sit down dinner and then I (asked by my best-friend from kindergarten. there's a lesson in there somewhere!) organized a 45 minute-ish program. I was really happy with the night and how the program played itself out (and I loved that we began it with a slideshow to my favorite cheezy song Women of Destiny). In all 24 women had roles in the program and each one of them really put their hearts into it. I had 2 big objectives for the program. 1 - for each sister to believe more deeply in her divine destiny and in the unique and important role she plays in the Relief Society. And 2 - for each sister to catch a broader vision of the amazing organization that is the Relief Society and the wealth of talents and gifts that enrich the lives of so many. Here is an excerpt from my opening comments:

As I have thought about and prepared for this evening's program, my mind kept coming to the word tapestry and to a 1989 General Conference talk given by then 1st Counselor Gordon B Hinckley. He could easily have been speaking of the Relief Society, when he said:

"President Harold B. Lee once said from this pulpit: Survey large fields and cultivate small ones.

My interpretation of that statement is that we ought to recognize something of the breadth and depth and height—grand and wonderful, large and all-encompassing—of the program of the Lord, and then work with diligence to meet our responsibility for our assigned portion of that program. Each of us has a small field to cultivate. While so doing, we must never lose sight of the greater picture, the large composite of the divine destiny of this work. It was given [to] us by God our Eternal Father, and each of us has a part to play in the weaving of its magnificent tapestry. Our individual contribution may be small, but it is not unimportant....Many small efforts and little acts become the cumulative pattern of a great worldwide organization."

Tonight's program combines the vision of Emma Smith – that we are doing something extraordinary – with the principles of attitude and action found in the Relief Society Declaration. I've thought of each of us as a thread in the tapestry of the Relief Society. Each of us adding depth and richness. Each of us lending our own unique texture and color. Each of us weaving our own story and complimenting and contributing to the stories of others until a beautiful work starts to take shape. Never underestimate your role in the weaving. Never question your place in the Relief Society.

As we reflect on tonight's displays and enjoy tonight's program, may we be filled with greater gratitude for the beautiful women of our Relief Society and how they have blessed an influenced our lives. May we believe in our own unique role and commit to developing and sharing our divine gifts and talents.

It was a real gift for me to work on this program. I met so many amazing sisters, I was totally overwhelmed by so much support and offers of help and willingness to participate, and I gained a deeper and richer testimony of the Relief Society - frankly, probably my first real testimony of Relief Society.

But, really, the best part of the night was sitting by 2 of my former MTC girls. We were a unique group and very close. 10 years has gone by and we have changed, but sitting there looking at these 2 beautiful and amazing women, the feelings and the love all came back. And I was sooo grateful for eternity. To know that I will know them and love them through all my existence, to know that we will be a part of each other forever. Amy, Kathryn - I love you!