2 Nephi 30 & Conference

1 AND now behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you; for I, Nephi, would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more righteous than the Gentiles shall be. For behold, except ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall all likewise perish; and because of the words which have been spoken ye need not suppose that the Gentiles are utterly destroyed.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:1)

It's occurred to me at times that often we think we're doing great (or better than others) when it comes to gospel living, when really, we aren't. I am reminded of a plaque my dad had in the house while I was growing up. It said, "It's hard to be humble when you are as great as I am." I'm learning as I go throughout my daily life, meeting people, talking to them, that while I thought I was doing OK at living Christlike standards, that there are many people doing better than I. The funny part is, it is those exact people (who really ARE doing better), that are being humble about it and don't realize they are passing me by like the road runner and Wyle Coyote.

16 Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men.
17 There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed.
18 Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time. And now, my beloved brethren, I make an end of my sayings.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:16 - 18)

I read this with a lot of hope. Often, I look for more information, I look for signs of new things happening in relation to God, but as I read today, it dawns on me: I don't embrace what already exists. I'm trying to do better. But, I've noticed that even though I've read the scriptures, I don't really know them. I'd like to be able to say I know all the cannonized works. Of course, I also want to keep up on continuing revelation. So, what I'm saying is this: There is a lot to know, and I'm not giving enough of my time to learn what there is. I waste a lot of time. Everyone has 24 hours in a day, and I should be using my time to love, learn, and serve. I know the saying of idleness being of the devil, but I was just thinking that despite the fact that idle hands tend to start doing wickedness (the common interpretation of that scripture), but the remorse you feel after having wasted a day and knowing you cannot get that day back, really, I think, makes you feel a little like what hell must be like--knowing what could have been--only in small doses.

As for conference...it was wonderful. I love that I can now go and read (or listen to) what was said, and enjoy the inspiration of the prophet. The biggest message I got from the past two weeks was: Create. Don't waste time, use it, use it, use it! Use it to serve people. Use it to learn. Use it to get to know God better. Oh, and take care of yourself. A part of L. Tom Perry's talk about Walden pond popped out at me: It's not only OK to exercise and eat well--it's a commandment! Learning to take care of my body is not a luxury, but a necessity. AND as a mother, it is my job to teach my children to do the same, and I'm lacking. I have the knowledge and the support, but my own oomph is missing. Praying for that.