In the Church of Jesus Christ we have a tradition called General Conference.  I love General Conference!  We like to watch General Conference in our home – all four sessions.  This is my recharge and my strength for the next six months as I try to listen to at least one talk daily.  As I was reading over my notes I noticed a common theme throughout conference: Trials and Preparation.  I have in my notes that President Nelson said we should live each day so that we are more prepared to meet our Maker.  This theme just seemed to press on my mind.  I need to be changing, I need to be preparing.  I need to be becoming more like Him.

And then I started to think – what is Jesus like?  Am I really like him?  Or am I just going through the motions.  What were the hallmarks of His life?  And can I expect to do any less?

Christ took time to be with others – eating, walking – Christ moved with others.

Christ took time to be alone – talking to God and meditating, drawing apart.

Christ had a group of good men who were his closest friends – his apostles.

Christ told the truth.

Christ used stories to help people understand important truths.

Christ noticed people who were left out or on the fringes.

Christ was constantly teaching others.

Christ sacrificed personal convenience and time to minister to others.

Christ had one priority – pleasing his Father in Heaven.

Christ didn’t just preach, he healed.  He helped people to solve very real, temporal problems.

Christ suffered a lot.  

Christ eventually received a glorious eternal reward for his work on this earth.

As I evaluate these I realize that I am far from the mark.  I am so concerned with accumulating, so concerned with my house and my looks being perfect.  I am not truthful enough.  I speak to please.  I have a lot to work on and I hope that the Lord will help me as I work to change, to repent, and to improve.  I am so grateful for the example that He set.