8 to 1

The singles conference drew to a close today and I was sad to have that happen.  I rather enjoyed it.  So much more comfortable this year then it was last year.  Perhaps it was the lack of speed dating on the schedule that made it so.  No, I have come quite a ways since then in the healing process and that has made a big difference. 

Naturally we attend these conferences to meet the ladies right?  Well, not exactly.  There was so much that was good in the classes offered, the special firesides/morningside, and the Sacrament meeting.  I felt the Spirit many times throughout the conference and appreciate all who participated in this great event. 

I was so tired last night that I failed to give much of an accounting of the day in my blog entry.  I witnessed something amazing when I attended a presentation by Justin Osmond.  He has 90% hearing loss but you wouldn't know it.  He shared a special sign language musical number about the first vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith and it peirced my soul.  It was just so powerful.  I recall a mission president visiting the Lakeland Stake a number of years ago and discussing the power of the first vision and how the Spirit testifies of its truth.  I have always experienced that myself from as far back as I can remember anyway.  I didn't always know what those feelings were but they were there.  I felt that same Spirit when I watched Brother Osmod do it and it was powerful.

Anyway a most remarkable day.  Also listened to Brad Wilcox, Kenya Jackson and others.  It I were better with names I would name them but I am not so good and I am very tired right now and don't want to track down my program at the moment.  Suffice to say the messages were wonderful and the Spirit was strong.  I came away spiritually fed and strengthened.  It was wonderful.

So what else to say?  I met some wonderful people and rekindled friendships with some people I met last year.  All of these were ladies.  In fact at one point today I was sitting at lunch and it was just me at this table with 8 ladies.  Yes, 8 to 1 was the highest that it got. 

Quick funny story about that 8 to 1 lunch ratio.  Another brother attending the conference came over and made like he was security and was saying something about the fact that I was at the table with all these ladies.  He said he wanted my number so I could give him my secret.  Karlee, this amazing lady seated at my right whispered, well not really whispered but quietly said to me that his problem may be that he came to this table with all these ladies and asked for the one guys phone number.  I couldn't help myself - Karlee is my writer and I am her actor.  I spoke up and told the guy the first little part of my secret - "I would never go to a table full of ladies and ask for the one guys number".  Everyone laughed - including the guy.  He was a good sport about it, kind of.  I felt a little bad after because he was trying and I know how hard that is.  I hope that he took it in the fun way that it was intended and not as a put down.  I just don't want to hurt someone because of my own pride and trying to elevate myself by putting someone else down.  It was not intentional but I can see how it might hurt someone.  Again, I hope it did not.

I pondered this 8 to 1 thing and thought - where is all the priesthood?  Why am I sitting here, a lone guy with 8 ladies.  I'm not even good looking and there were 8 laides surrounding me.  I had such a wonderful time with these ladies.  We talked and we laughed a lot.  It was a great time in conference.  What wonderful daughters of God I was surrounded by today, and yesterday...