Today’s Reading: Alma 37:1-27
6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
I agonize knowing that in just two short weeks my sons’ school year will begin. Our summer has been carefree, laidback, and mostly unscheduled. We’ve traveled and played just enough to rejuvenate our souls. Unfortunately, looming around the corner are busy school days, fall sports, and lots of taxing children to and fro.
By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.
I’ve always interpreted that scripture to mean that God uses simple people to do His marvelous work. Now, however, with the dread I feel about the upcoming school year I am more struck with Alma’s emphasis on simplicity. Perhaps in Alma’s prophetic wisdom, he knew that we would need reminding of the importance of simplifying and possibly re-prioritizing our schedules.
We live in a world where success is measured by wealth, power, and the praise of men. In the pursuit of these things, more time is spent working, often at the expense of time with our families. Children’s extracurricular filled days have been accepted as the norm, and any outlier is met with wincing and disapproval. We, as a societal whole, have glorified being busy.
President Uchtdorf said:
“One characteristic of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles. Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list… Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives. It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this.” [1]
I’ve wondered if maybe my family could benefit from reevaluating, reprioritizing and possibly eliminating some things from our lives. Maybe, for example, we would benefit from less chaos and more family dinners. Maybe there are good things that we could replace for better things. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said:
“Consider how we use our time. Not everything is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it… Just because something is good is not sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the available time to accomplish them. Some things are better than good and these are the things that should command priority in our lives.” [2]
It isn’t possible, or needful, to eliminate everything from our lives. We have, after all, been endowed from our Creator with unique talents that can bless the world. We should take the time to form friendships. We should have hobbies and pursue our interests. We certainly shouldn’t become hermits, but maybe we can seek more balance in our lives. If we are weary, then we should slow down. If we are fatigued, we should rest. If we are lost, we need to refocus. If we are overwhelmed, we should eliminate. Our extracurricular activities and to-do lists shouldn’t fill all of our time; they especially shouldn’t distract us from things that matter most. Let us remember what President Uchtdorf said: “Amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble Man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting. His is a simple message: ‘Come, follow me.’” [3]
My hope for the upcoming school year is that I will not become so consumed by my schedule that I cannot hear the Savior’s warm, gentle beckoning. If the rustle, bustle, and noise of our days drown out the One voice that matters most, then we would do well to reconsider our priorities.
Vanessa has been married to Prince Charming since 2007 and is Mommy to three bouncy boys. She spends her days enforcing nap time, avoiding laundry, and setting off the fire alarm.
So beautiful and soooo true!