Sometimes our lives get so packed. Run the kids here and there, visit so and so, buy such and such, grab something to eat, do this, and do that. Sometimes life is so crowded I don't know where to start. That's when I have to really prioritize. Even though there are so many people and organizations that need me, my family must be first! Even though there are so many good and important things to do, the essential ones must be first!
There are many wonderful things that I feel pressured to do because they are very good and can help people. However, I have to ask myself several questions. Have I taken care of my scripture study, my exercising, and personal grooming? Pretty basic, huh? If not, my life is out of balance and I need to drop other things. Have I been able to serve family meals? Have I been able to keep the house reasonably tidy and functional? Have I read to my children and studied the scriptures and gospel with them? Have I helped my children get to where they need to be academically, socially, physically, spiritually, developmentally? Am I unhurried enough to really enjoy cuddling, listening, helping, and observing my children? If not, more things need to be dropped.
The questions continue. Have I attended the temple at least twice a month? Have I seen to the needs of the sisters I visit and teach this month? Have I gone on a date with my husband this week? Have I had a one-on-one evening with one of my children this week? Have we held family home evening? Have we visited the elderly and encouraged and helped others this week?
I would like to learn a great deal, write children's books, do tons of family history, serve missions, help the poor more, etc., etc. All of these things are wonderful and would move me closer to Heavenly Father. I could spend lifetimes doing these things. But during this season
of my life Heavenly Father has given me seven beautiful children to nurture. This can't be done later. The time is now and moving quickly. I cannot shirk my duties at home, even if other activities are worthy. This is a small phase of my life. I must rise to the challenge and not become distracted!
Yes, I can help others outside my family. Of, course. But I must take care of my family first and foremost. My family is my eternal calling! Then I can do a bit to share the gospel, my time and talents, and resources with others. But almost all of my efforts, time, talents, devotion, and love must be with my husband and little ones right now.
When I am old or an emptynester I will keep busy doing all the other things I can only do a bit of now. But when I am old I cannot cuddle my children, kiss their bumps, tickle them, read to them, sing with them, or study their sweet faces. When my children are grown I cannot make sure their testimonies are burning within them. When I am old I can't watch their excitement as they go on the outings of youth. Now is the time!!! I miss it all ready!! It makes it easy to eliminate things from my to-do list so I can soak in this precious time!!!!
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