Jon and I try to attend "Friday forum" every week. The institute here has sign up sheets and people take turn using the institute budget to cook a meal and or share a musical number. Then after people have their lunch, we listen to a talk, usually from general conference, or a guest speaker from the stake and then discuss the talk. Well I have really enjoyed the past two weeks, but I'm going to focus on this Friday's talk which was by Quentin L Cook from this past general conference during Priesthood session. And more specifically about two things he mentioned. He said "decisions determine destiny" and that "we need to "rise above rationalizations and distractions".
1. Rationalizations. He related a story of a young man who said he wanted to go on a mission and was avoiding serious sin but still was not doing what he should. He was rationalizing, thinking that avoiding wrong was all he needed. The guest speaker from the week before in Friday forum and talked about the 13th article of faith and how we should be seeking after what is good and praiseworthy instead of just avoiding r-rated movies (as an example). I had a companion who told me a visual representation that has stuck with me. On one side is a cliff, where we can fall, and on the other side is Jesus Christ. In between the two is space to walk. She pointed out that our goal in life should not be to show how brave we are by walking the cliff's edge, but how close we can get to the Savior. It is not enough to avoid wrong, we need to make good choices that are consistent with our covenants and will help prepare us for where we want to go. I'm not perfect and some of the TV shows jon and I watch may not be the best out there, but we're trying. One thing we have started doing (and there is one movie we have not seen despite Jon's family saying it was really good because of it) is looking at imdb's page for a show or movie we're considering watching and we look up the parents guide. I feel it is a valuable tool that allows you to know what nudity, violence, language, adult material, etc, might be in it.
2. Distractions. Quentin L Cook says, " I believe Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s inspired message distinguishing between “good, better, best” provides an effective way to evaluate choices and priorities.19 Many choices are not inherently evil, but if they absorb all of our time and keep us from the best choices, then they become insidious. Even worthwhile endeavors need evaluation in order to determine if they have become distractions from the best goals." I really like Elder Oaks' talk and have been meaning to reprioritize now that I have George. What are the most important things I need to get done each day? And then I need to do my best to at least get those things done and if I have extra time I can work on good or better pursuits after the best have been completed. It was like the story with Mary and Martha. Martha was trying to get household things done so they could all enjoy a nice meal and tidy home, but Mary chose to listen to the Savior. Mom said she didn't used to like that story because she felt she had a lot in common with Martha. Mom is a hard worker and similar to Martha, but her priorities were similar to Mary. They were about taking care of her kids first and her relationships. There is nothing wrong with taking care of the house, as long as our relationship with God, spouse and family has been worked on first. Those relationships are what is best, and a little time on our selves too to replenish our souls and allow us to keep going. I need to realize that, although dirty dishes stress me out, and although they are important, my relationships with God, Jon and George are more important. When we listened to the talk I thought about Nephi and his brethren going to get the plates. The first time they were trying to be obedient but had no plan, that was a good choice. Then they made a plan to be obedient, a better choice. Then last, Nephi went with the plan of relying on the Lord- the best choice. Sometimes our choices are best when we include the Lord, sometimes it's a matter of whether or not to do family history, spend time with family, or clean- all good things. This last week I've decided I need to figure out what is best for me at this time in my life. Obviously, school is and reading scriptures. I have to figure out when I can do other good things without neglecting myself, Jon or George- things like exercise, and housework and visiting teaching and being a member missionary.
