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=