Sunday, September 30, 2007

Yesterday

So, last night was the Women's Broadcast, and since I had no children with me, I was actually able to listen. As I walked in (a little late), I began scanning the chapel looking for a quick, convenient seat. I must admit I had a tinge of melancholy as I remembered last year's women's conference--sitting on the back seats (because we were late last year as well--seems to be a recurring theme in my life) surrounded by so many great friends. This year I probably listended better since I wasn't laughing so hard!

Here's a pic of those friends!!!



One of the comments really struck home with me. Sister Beck promised that as we focus on faith, family, and relief, we will "have the courage to forego the frivolous". I seem to struggle with this. I waste so much time searching for the "perfect lights for our house", or the "perfect color" of paint, or the "perfect pair of pants" (which I haven't found yet--at least not at a price I am willing to pay), and yet I don't delve into the scriptures on a regular basis, or get on the ground and build a castle with the kids, or call a friend who is struggling. I feel as if too many of my awake hours are focused on the unimportant.

I look at my life and wonder if I am on track. Am I as big of a person inside as I need to be to fullfill my most important calling as a mother. Have I grown and developed as the Lord would want so that I can be worthy and prepared for the opportunities and blessings that may come my way? I don't want to be denied eternal life because I LOVED to shop and I spent too many hours shopping online instead of serving, and learning, and growing!

These are my thoughts. How do I change? Please don't patronize me in your comments. I don't want compliments...Just any thoughts you might have on the subject! :)



ps--our Home Teacher came over tonight, and during the course of the discussion he commented that we never know when the last opportunity to hear from President Hinckly will be. After he said that, I honestly almost burst into tears! I hope he sticks around and enjoys good health for a while longer! I remember the first time I heard him speak at Ricks College. I was so excited to see him in person and listen live! I fell asleep before he even got up to speak and slept through his entire talk. I was so frustrated with myself and I felt I had really missed out on a great opportunity. not quite the ending ya'll thought--huh? (I had undiagnosed diabetes when President Hinckley was there, and one of the symptoms is EXTREME fatigue. I would fall asleep anytime I was sitting for more than 5 minutes--literally!)

on that happy note--

4 comments:

Kristi said...

Lena:can I just say Amen, sister! Seriously. I am feeling this same way. Much too much of my time on the unimportant frivolous crap, and not only that, but I'm teaching my kids to waste their time exactly like I do...if that makes sense. You posted a great quote by Sister Beck, and it reminded me of this quote I saw by President Benson, "When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities." He just makes it seem very simple (which I conveniently am), so I am working on the old Sunday School answer kinds of things, hoping it will help me...

On another note--whether you want to hear it or not, you are a good Mom and a good friend. I love you, babe!!!

Kristi said...

Holy cow, sorry for the longest comment ever...

Wendy said...

I don't think you're the only one that struggles with this. After all, we are a 'natural man' and have to fight that everyday. Just remember to do your best, and if you didn't, move on and don't dwell on what you didn't get done, but what you did! You're awesome and don't make yourself crazy wishing you were better. I think the Lord knows what is in our hearts and if we try and do all that is asked of us (or even 1/4 of it) I think he'll see that we did our best!

Marsha said...

Just the fact that you are asking the questions means you are in a different place than one who isn't asking. Hey, remember the book, A HEART LIKE HIS ? I think that has some amazing suggestions for all of us to implement to bring spiritual change and openness to promptings in our lives. Did you get to read it? I'd love to read it again and discuss it as a group, as they did in the book.