The Magnificence of Consistency

I recently read a talk by Elder David A. Bednar entitled More Diligent and Concerned at Home. It is a wonderful talk, and I highly recommend you read or watch the whole thing!


Perhaps my favorite part, however, is in the last bit of his talk, when he talks about being consistent. He speaks of many discouraging Family Home Evenings, scripture studies, and prayers, when he and his wife despaired that their children were so busy arguing that they weren't learning anything from the experience. He informs us, however, that what they discovered was that what was most important was the consistency.

He told about a painting of a wheat field that hangs in his office. He says that up close, it looks like a bunch of random brush strokes--nothing pretty or special about it. But as you move back, you can see the bigger picture, and it forms a beautiful painting.

He then ties together his analogy; "Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results."

This has given me great comfort lately. It is true that there are a lot of things I can't do from bed. It is true that the things I can do for my family seem small and insignificant. But it is comforting to me to know that the Lord is the Master Artist. I can't see what he is doing with my life, but he knows. And someday, perhaps I will get the blessing of stepping back, and being able to see the beautiful masterpiece that the Lord has been making of this chapter of my life. Each brushstroke may seem small, haphazard, and even ugly next to the other strokes. But as I consistently work to do my best for my family, and as I trust in the enabling power of the Atonement, I have faith that someday, every stroke will make up a glorious painting by the touch of the Master's hand.


https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/more-diligent-and-concerned-at-home?lang=eng
Image retrieved from https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/wheat-field-901719?lang=eng&category=

Am I Really Enough?

We've all wondered that at some point. Let me tell you, you are not alone. 

Yesterday I was reading a wonderful talk by Linda S. Reeves (Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency) for a class I am taking. It is entitled Protection from Pornography - a Christ-Focused Home. If you haven't seen or read it, you really should. It is full of wonderful insights and ideas. 

Anyway, there was one main part that stood out to me, nearly causing me to weep. 

"Some of you have heard me tell how overwhelmed my husband, Mel, and I felt as the parents of four young children. As we faced the challenges of parenting and keeping up with the demands of life, we were desperate for help. We prayed and pleaded to know what to do. The answer that came was clear: “It is OK if the house is a mess and the children are still in their pajamas and some responsibilities are left undone. The only things that really need to be accomplished in the home are daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening.”

I cannot even begin to express to you the overwhelming relief I felt at this statement. I don't even have kids to be keeping up with yet, and I am very aware that as of yet, I know very little of the "demands of life." While I do feel the burden I carry, certainly, I know that it is quite light compared to the burdens of many other people. For me, the challenges lie in getting the house in order, caring for my sweetheart, doing homework, and even getting myself out of bed, and into something other than my pajamas. These are small things, and yet I feel great if I have accomplished them all by the end of a day. Sadly, the days are few and far between that all (or any) of these things get done, much less any deep-cleaning of the house, last minute preparations for this little one (what do you mean we are due in less than five weeks!?), or any of my other projects. 

Because of this, I found great hope in her statement, and the things that the Spirit taught her and her husband that day. It really is OK if you don't accomplish everything that you needed to. It truly is not the end of the world. What matters most is daily scripture study and prayer, and weekly family home evening. These are doable things! It has always been easy for me to feel like these things are "just one more thing" to add to my never-ending to-do list. It is relieving to see that these things can BE my to-do list. At least in the "Must Do" column.  

It reminds me of the beautiful story of Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10. Martha, being

the incredible woman that she was, invited the Savior into her home, and busied herself making him comfortable. She worked hard to this end, and was discouraged by her sister who simply sat at Jesus' feet, and listened to him. Martha, still trying to accomplish the things that she saw as making her a good woman (hm... similar to my thoughts of what make me a good wife. Intriguing. I never thought of that.), asked the Savior to bid Mary to help her. The Savior responded with love and respect, honoring her efforts, but still giving her a gentle reminder.

"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)

There are many things in our lives that trouble us, and things that need to be done--even very good, honorable things. But "one thing is needful" (italics added), and that is to turn to the Savior, and focus on him. Everything else can fall by the wayside if it must. 

As I turn to the Savior, trusting in him, and focusing on the "one thing" that is needful, I am really enough. And so are you. 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/protection-from-pornography-a-christ-focused-home?lang=eng#watch=video

Mary and Martha, by Del Parson (62527); GAK 219; Luke 10:38–42