Thursday, December 2, 2010

Perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most

In a conference talk that Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave recently he spoke about the growing patterns of trees. He said, “during seasons when conditions are ideal, trees grow at a normal rate. However, during seasons when growing conditions are not ideal, trees slow down their growth and devote their energy to the basic elements necessary for survival.” He then went on to describe how we should follow this example. When life becomes hard and conditions are less than ideal, we need to stop trying to plow ahead in life. We need to get back to basics and focus on what matters.

Well, I heard the talk, but I didn’t internalize it for a while. It wasn’t until I was visiting my family and their home teachers came over for a visit. They referred to this talk again, and this time it hit me. THIS IS FOR ME! I’ve been trying to plow on ahead as if nothing is going on in my life. I moved into singles housing at BYU and have been living with other single guys. I keep going to school and I try to do the best I can. Well, it’s not working for me. I don’t sleep (because who sleeps in a college dorm?) and I am certainly not focusing on things that matter the most in life. So, I have come to the conclusion that I need to swallow my pride and start worrying about the important things in life again. I’m moving home (I know I’m 26, there should be a law against this or something). My home environment is really good, and I hope to drink it in and refocus on the things in life that will pull me through this hard time, and establish a foundation to move on to better things in life.

I really feel that one of the important things in life is looking outward for chances to serve others. I am still extremely concerned for the Lewis family. I know I’ve had a good response so far to the post I made about their auto accident. Please keep donating to the fund. Getting back to basics for them right now means that they need to get some stability. This will really help them, and it will help you too because you will be giving service.