Overwhelmed?

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, our standard are set high. We know who we are and what we can accomplish. But, sometimes... no, most of the time, we take on way too much. We consider ourselves as a super person. After all, we are as God once was, and if we are to become like God, then we have to do amazing things.

President Gordon B Hinckley said, "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…. delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

We are blessed with many talents, opportunities to develop additional talents and bless others with our talents. The problem is, all of these options can make us feel like we don’t have enough time to do everything. We need to remember that we usually have time to do the essential things.

King Benjamin warned his people about doing too much. He said, “See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” (Mosiah 4:27). Setting priorities will help you do your activities in “wisdom and order.”

When you set priorities, you set time aside for the most important things before you schedule in less-important activities. Think of it like this: if someone gave you rocks, pebbles, and sand to fit into a jar, how would you go about it? If you put the sand and pebbles in first, you’d probably realize there’s hardly room left for the rocks. But if you put the rocks in first, they’d all fit. Then you could add the pebbles and sand. These fill in the cracks between the rocks.

Our busy days are like that jar. In order to get everything done, we need to plan the most important things—the rocks—first. Then we can plan the less-important activities—the pebbles and the sand—around them.

How can we identify the rocks in our lives? President Ezra Taft Benson said: “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love for the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities” (“The Greatest Commandment—Love the Lord,”Ensign, May 1988, 4). Some important rocks in your life are daily prayer and scripture study, fulfilling your Church duties, and serving others. Other rocks include learning and spending time with your family.

Many people forget the rocks of exercise, balanced meals, and getting enough rest. Rest is more than just sleep. You also need time to unwind and think about where your life is going. It is the quiet times that the Spirit speaks to us in a still small voice. If we don't have many quiet times, we may miss some very important discussions.

What about running, golf, basketball road biking, and other worthy activities? These are like the pebbles and sand. They help develop your skills and talents, but if you feel overwhelmed, you might be doing too much. A more balanced life may require letting some less-important activities go. The peace of mind you gain will be worth the sacrifice.

Pray for help in deciding which activities are most important. Talk with your spouse or siblings to help you make wise choices. Heavenly Father wants you to be happy and successful. He will help you find the activities that will bring you the most joy without making you feel overwhelmed. All you have to do is ask, then listen.

You are a good person, blessed to be born into this incredible family. You personally add a special element that others don't add. If you think about it, you'll know what talents you are good at. Share these talents with your family and others. As you do so, the Lord will give you more talents, until over time (And you have to be careful with this) you'll come to realize how gifted and blessed you really are. You can realize this in a humble way, not being boastful or prideful.

So take each day at a time. Don't fill your plate too full. Take time to smell the roses and enjoy the journey. Remember, it is our relationships (With God and others) that matter most. 

Love, Dad