Clearly, I have too much going on in my life right now. I need to find a better balance between the good things and the better things, and eliminate the things that don’t fit. I read this talk by Elder Ballard that helped me put things in perspective. He said, “Brothers and sisters, we all face these kinds of [life] struggles from time to time. They are common human experiences. Many people have heavy demands upon them stemming from parental, family, employment, church, and civic responsibilities. Keeping everything in balance can be a real problem.” Here is his advice:
1. Think about your life and set your priorities. I know that the gospel is my first priority, and that Cob and my marriage are part of that. Developing my professional skills is also a priority, because I’ll be done with school soon, and I want to find a job that helps me develop my talents and makes me happy.
2. Set short-term goals that you can actually reach. I’m going to receive my endowment soon, and I have some short-term goals associated with that event. As far as professional goals go, I think I need to be more realistic with myself and what I can accomplish. I’m going to talk to my parents tonight and really think about giving up my responsibilities as the marketing designer for that dance performance.
3. Budget your needs and your wants and find financial security. This is something I feel pretty good about. I have been working hard this summer to save money so that Cob and I won’t be destitute when we get married. I’ve been on top of paying my tithing and I know we’ll be ok.
4. Stay close to your spouse and family. Another thing I have no trouble with. Spending time with the people I love really helps me forget about the stress I have in my life.
5. Read the scriptures. I am making scripture study a real priority in my life and it has been such a blessing. I feel calm and empowered when I read the scriptures. I know that if I will spend time in the scriptures each day, I will have strength to do everything that is in front of me. I can always pray for strength, too.
6. Don’t let your physical needs get overlooked. I have been SO BAD at this lately, and I’m going to try and be better about it. Not being tired and hungry all the time will help me to accomplish the things I need to.
7. Family Home Evening. My immediate family has always been good about having family home evening, but I haven’t been participating as much this summer.
8. Pray. I really believe in the power of prayer. Prayer works! I know that if I ask Heavenly Father to help me with all the things I have going on, he will help me. He will make me stronger and smarter and more successful than I could ever be on my own. I don’t have to deal with these things on my own.
Elder Ballard says, “Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.” It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed with all the things we have going on. I have to constantly remind myself not to give up on life and to dig a little deeper. We’re so good at filling our lives with junk but we need to make room for the light.
8. Pray. I really believe in the power of prayer. Prayer works! I know that if I ask Heavenly Father to help me with all the things I have going on, he will help me. He will make me stronger and smarter and more successful than I could ever be on my own. I don’t have to deal with these things on my own.
Elder Ballard says, “Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.” It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed with all the things we have going on. I have to constantly remind myself not to give up on life and to dig a little deeper. We’re so good at filling our lives with junk but we need to make room for the light.
Love, Rebecca
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