At the end of counseling sessions, the therapist records notes of the session including the content of what was discussed and how the process went. One important observation includes ‘insight.” How well or how much is the client able to see an issue from a different perspective? How well are they able to apply that insight to manage the emotional impact of whatever is going on? How does that impact their lives? Therapists often invite their clients to complete an evaluation of the appointment to receive feedback to be more effective as a counselor. It gives them both an opportunity to see things differently. How often do we invite feedback? How would others evaluate our “insight” and how we apply what we learn? Or alternatively, how often is something said that we might think: “Who?” “Me?”

In April 2023 in his wonderful General Conference talk “Peacemakers Needed,” our dear prophet Russell M. Nelson told the story of a surgeon flinging a scalpel that stuck in President Nelson’s arm. President went on to discuss how peacemakers are needed in our society today. You may remember some of the key points of his talk:

  • Civility and decency seem to have disappeared during this era of polarization and passionate disagreements.
  • Vulgarity, faultfinding, and evil speaking of others are all too common.
  • I am greatly concerned that so many people seem to believe that it is completely acceptable to condemn, malign, and vilify anyone who does not agree with them.
  • Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions.
  • In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers.

President Nelson continued with many salient points, encouragement, and invitations. Then he kindly brought us back from asking “Who? Me?” to asking “Lord, is it I?” He said “At this point you may be thinking that this message would really help someone you know. Perhaps you are hoping that it will help him or her to be nicer to you. I hope it will! But I also hope that you will look deeply into your heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent you from becoming a peacemaker.”

Now we approach another General Conference. What a blessing to receive guidance, instruction, invitations, and promised blessings from living prophets and apostles! May the Lord bless us to have the insight to do better and be better as His disciples as we strive to gather Israel on both sides of the veil.