On April 2-3, 2011, the Church will hold it's 181st Semi-Annual General Conference. It's an exciting time for Mormons but probably difficult for others to understand.
Every six months, in April and October, Mormons convene, as a Church, to get instruction, to be spiritually fed and to get briefed on any upcoming changes and events. To outsiders, it must look funereal, and the music like a funeral dirge. I have to concede some of this when I look through others' eyes. But, let me tell you why we Mormons find it exciting.
1. We get to see our Prophet and hear from our other top leaders. People get excited about seeing the Pope and many of his Cardinals, the same type of excitement infuses Mormondom at Conference time.
2. Big changes often get announced. This can include new leaders being announced, new temples being built and major changes in how Mormons do things. Think of a company CEO announcing where the company will expand, new office complexes being built and major policy changes taking effect.
3. Big statements get made. Although said in a solemn, almost austere, environment, the statements can have the effect of "irrational exuberance" on Mormons.
4. Conference is a spiritual adrenaline rush that helps us live our lives, and that is exciting. See these stories to understand what I mean.
General Conference does not appeal to our traditional five senses: see, hear, taste, feel or smell. It appeals to our spiritual senses.
That is why you will find us glued to our television screens, computer screens and other media throughout the weekend. The proceedings will later be made available to us to watch, listen to, read or download which enables us to get further infusions of spiritual power.
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