So one of the loves of my life (aka one of my freshman roommates [215]) started a blog and just sent me an invitation to read her private blog and her first post made me really happy... and I wanted to share part of it with everyone. It is a scripture and quote from Stand a Little Taller by President Hinckley. I believe she said this is the page for September 6.
Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning
Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be
still and know that I am God.
-D&C 101:16
"Our lives become extremely busy. We run from one thing to another. We wear ourselves out in thoughtless pursuit of goals which are largely ephemeral. We are entitled to spend some time with ourselves in introspection, in development, in thinking, meditating, pondering things" -Gordon B. Hinckley
I think way too often I get caught up in running from one thing to another. Work, class, study groups, review sessions, the testing center, the grocery store, church, church activities, the temple, the elms, the football stadium, home, etc.
This week is the last day of class for the semester-finals start on Monday. My calendar currently has multiple review sessions for three of my five classes,a few homework assignments to finish, a work christmas party, lots of work, a wedding reception, packing, cleaning check, church, a stake fireside, and somewhere there will be a birthday celebration for one of the loves of my lives.
But all of this. Really? How much of this will really matter in the long run? I already explained to one of my home teachers that I didn't know when I would eat or sleep for the next week and a half, and then as soon as I got to Nauvoo I would pretty much only eat,sleep, and play my piano. Why do I do this to myself? Do I ever take time to stop and think? Pretty sure if I thought it through I would realize that the review sessions, while good, don't need to ALL be attended (especially the ones that the TA won't be at).
If I thought, pondered, meditated, or spent time developing my talents as much as I wasted time on Facebook, Hulu, or watching movies... life would be very different.
So, although it is not quite time to be making new years resolutions, or even my new semester resolutions... here is one for both lists:
learn how to chill out. I really like to-do lists and crossing things off my list, so I need to include time to think on my to-do list, otherwise I will postpone it because it won't get me a little check mark or a line through anything on my list. I think I've had this on a list before... but I don't think I did very well with it. If I ever figure out how to reinstall my printer I'll put that quote up on my wall or next to my desk, or glue it to my computer screen or something. Take a litle time to think, ponder, meditate, play the piano, read a book for fun, color, etc.
Finally, I want to thank Kelli for inviting me to her blog so I could find that quote and find the inspiration I need to get me through this week, finals, and working almost 50 hours between now and when I go home. I heart you, Kel!
5 comments:
yay for kelli inspiring you. I like this quote too and I hope that you do find the time to relax. Speaking of eating-when do you want me to take you to the cafeteria? :)
Megan, I love you! I'll email you my schedule right now so we can figure out a time!
Hear! Hear! This is what it is all about. This week, I had a lesson to get for YW, so I spent extra time contemplating Christmas and listening to Christmas music. That has made all the difference for me. A blizzard still rages outside, but my packages are mailed, we can cancel YW if we need to, and we are safe and sound and warm. I think I'll have a hot cocoa and read a good book!
Thanks for the reminder. It is easy to let the business of life interfere with things of higher more eternal importance.
I have the same character and personality as you Marci - love "to do lists" and love to check things off. I've contemplated much of what you've written here time and time again in my own life. Balance is hard to find and even harder to keep (i.e. I've found keeping a good balance for a space of time is achievable but I always slip back into imbalance). I've learned there will always be a need to "check in" with the Lord on what I'm choosing to do with my time and re-align based on His feedback through the Holy Ghost.
I've had to learn how to prioritize (there will always be multiple activities, some overlapping one another) and to choose which are of highest worth to me at the moment. And then, the hard part - not to let myself feel like a slacker or less-than-perfect (pride...) for not being able to do everything.
Elder Ballard came to our Stake Conference just a month ago and one of the things he reiterated over and over again was how important it was to take 15-30 minutes every day JUST FOR MEDITATING / PONDERING. Not even for praying or reading the scriptures (though those are important too) but to ponder. Quiet time.
Anyway, hopefully you know you're not alone in this, and are able to find a good equalibrium.
o marce! i'm glad that i could have inspired you :) i love you too!!!
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