I can hardly balance a book on my head, let only every aspect of my spiritual and temporal life!! In April's Ensign I was inspired by an article entitled "A Balanced Life" by Brent L. Top.
"Numerous good and honorable causes beckon for our time and energy. Whether selfishly or unselfishly, we may get and spend, hurry and scurry, come and go, and later discover that we have laid waste our emotional and spiritual strength and given our hearts away to things that matter very little in the end."
This is something I have been struggling with for sometime. I have always been a person who is going, going, going, with rarely a break, and feeling guilty when I do take a break. I've always wanted to be the person who does EVERYTHING: music, painting, sports, politics, literature, math, art history, science, teaching, etc. I am interested in all these things and have devoted much time to their study. These are the "good and honorable causes" that beckon my time and energy.
I've been re-evaluating my life lately. Although my time has been spent for good endeavors, I've often let the things that are most important slip by the wayside. Only recently have I realized how important my relationships with family and friends are. I've realized there is peace in having ample time to study the scriptures and write in my journal without feeling like it's a chore I need to finish in the five minutes before I go to bed. It is fulfilling to have the time available to serve when needed.
I'm in the process of re-prioritizing and refining my time. Maybe I 'm just giving into capitalism ;), but I'm starting to truly see the value of focusing my scheduled time on one subject. President Spencer W. Kimball has urged us to return to "quiet, sane living." This is my sincere desire.
"To preserve the temporal balance of our lives, we may need to say no to those activities for which we do not have time, resources or energy. We need not feel guilty or selfish in periodically pulling back to regroup, for there is a strength that comes from sometimes just being home with loved ones."
Isn't the Ensign great!! It's just what I needed to hear.
2 years ago
3 comments:
That talk is a really good one. And for an amazing person like you with so many talents, I know I have always stood in awe of how amazing you are. Personally, I don't have the same kind of pressure to be good at everything. I more push myself to try everything. In taking into consideration graduating this year in August, I have also been learning about balancing different aspects of my life. I was talking to a friend the other day whose grandmother is going to have a face lift. I told him that when I am old and look like my face needs a good ironing, that I hope that I can be proud of each and every wrinkle. I hope they stand for each happy memory, each friend I've talked with, each lesson I have learned and each trial that I have grown from. I hope that I can live life without any regrets or grudges. I know it's probably not possible because everyone will regret something, even if it is small. At the end of the day I hope my life is something that God will approve of and say well done my good and faithful servant.
Thanks for that Kimi. Yes, I too hope that I have no regrets and that I am proud of every one of my big fat wrinkles!!
"We need not feel guilty or selfish in periodically pulling back to regroup, for there is a strength that comes from sometimes just being home with loved ones."
Thanks Mar. That's so nice to hear. I've been trying to do a little "regrouping" myself as I think you know. Love you, and I have always been amazed at your ability to balance.
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