Alan always cautions me to keep things in balance. Lately things have been really busy with work and seminary always seems to fill any spare moments. I haven't been as good at balancing time with my family. This scripture reminded me of that- so I began to pray about it. I especially wanted to find time to spend with Bree- which is hard because we are both in school and then she works and also spends time with her friends. The opportunity came on Wednesday night when she has to finish writing a rough draft for a paper due in her English class the next day. I told her I would help her when I got home from work. By 9 pm we had it finished and had spent 2 1/2 hours together- not quite the activity I would have picked, but it was an answer to a prayer. I then had to stay up until after midnight getting my seminary lesson ready for the video-chat class in the morning, but it was worth it.
Sometimes when people read this scripture, they only think of it in terms of choosing the better part as choosing to spend time on religious or gospel activities, but I think it also applies to time with our families as we. After all, that's who we will be spending eternity with. Don't they deserve our time and effort now? Recent events with the passing of Brother Christensen and Gary's accident, this has especially been more prominent in my mind.
One other comment- our own Mary (mom) has been a good example of choosing the better part. She often chose us before ever choosing anything for herself.
Thanks Jen, I remember a saying, if you don't plan you plan to fail. I do not want to fail. "It is the celestial kingdom or nothing", as Jeffery R Holland says. I think we spend 80% of our time with earthly things and only 20% of our time doing things that will matter for eternity. I am trying to make a shift so that I can at least be 50-50. It was so easy to do when we were on our missions. That is all we thought about. When we are home, the world gets most of our time. I am a worker. I like to be busy all the time,even when I am watching TV. Sometimes I am cumbered about with much serving and do not make time to let the Spirit be my guide. I choose to be a mother and not have a job because I wanted to be at the cross-roads for my children. Keep in mind I had 6 very different children who needed me in different ways. I did find time to serve in the PTA and library so I would know what was going on in you kid's day. I was blessed to serve in YW and Primary when you kids were in those organizations. I love your father and you kids and I do not want you taken away from me because I did not choose to serve you. You are my most precious possession. I feel so blessed to have each one of you.
I really like the verse and Mary is a good example and she followed the Savior's way in ll that she did. We need to choose the good part in our own lifes . As I was watching the cultural celebration last night I felt the spirit so much and we need to have faith and joy in all we do and say too ! Those are my comments for this week ! From Mariah Sparrow
I like the account of Mary & Martha in the New Testament. I think there is a bit of Mary and Martha in all of us. I also think the story is in the scriptures because it has universal applicability. Choice is a huge part of this earthly experience. The "who" and "what" of our choices often says more about our character than anything else we may do or say. As Jen pointed out, our families really are a huge part of our choice patterns. The fact that we believe so strongly in eternal families maybe is a hint as to the good part. You that have full-time jobs and a family are often taxed with making the choice as to what is the good part. I don't believe there is one pat answer that fits every person or situation. That is why our experiences are so helpful in helping us grow. What was the good part last week, may not be so good this week. Situations change, people change, families change.
You have all said great things. The only thing I would like to share is from Elder Oaks. "This scripture reminds every Martha, male and female, that we should not be so occupied with what is routine and temporal that we fail to cherish those opportunities that are unique and spiritual."
Alan always cautions me to keep things in balance. Lately things have been really busy with work and seminary always seems to fill any spare moments. I haven't been as good at balancing time with my family. This scripture reminded me of that- so I began to pray about it. I especially wanted to find time to spend with Bree- which is hard because we are both in school and then she works and also spends time with her friends. The opportunity came on Wednesday night when she has to finish writing a rough draft for a paper due in her English class the next day. I told her I would help her when I got home from work. By 9 pm we had it finished and had spent 2 1/2 hours together- not quite the activity I would have picked, but it was an answer to a prayer. I then had to stay up until after midnight getting my seminary lesson ready for the video-chat class in the morning, but it was worth it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when people read this scripture, they only think of it in terms of choosing the better part as choosing to spend time on religious or gospel activities, but I think it also applies to time with our families as we. After all, that's who we will be spending eternity with. Don't they deserve our time and effort now? Recent events with the passing of Brother Christensen and Gary's accident, this has especially been more prominent in my mind.
One other comment- our own Mary (mom) has been a good example of choosing the better part. She often chose us before ever choosing anything for herself.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen,
ReplyDeleteI remember a saying, if you don't plan you plan to fail. I do not want to fail. "It is the celestial kingdom or nothing", as Jeffery R Holland says. I think we spend 80% of our time with earthly things and only 20% of our time doing things that will matter for eternity. I am trying to make a shift so that I can at least be 50-50. It was so easy to do when we were on our missions. That is all we thought about. When we are home, the world gets most of our time. I am a worker. I like to be busy all the time,even when I am watching TV. Sometimes I am cumbered about with much serving and do not make time to let the Spirit be my guide. I choose to be a mother and not have a job because I wanted to be at the cross-roads for my children. Keep in mind I had 6 very different children who needed me in different ways. I did find time to serve in the PTA and library so I would know what was going on in you kid's day. I was blessed to serve in YW and Primary when you kids were in those organizations. I love your father and you kids and I do not want you taken away from me because I did not choose to serve you. You are my most precious possession. I feel so blessed to have each one of you.
I really like the verse and Mary is a good example and she followed the Savior's way in ll that she did. We need to choose the good part in our own lifes . As I was watching the cultural celebration last night I felt the spirit so much and we need to have faith and joy in all we do and say too ! Those are my comments for this week !
ReplyDeleteFrom Mariah Sparrow
I like the account of Mary & Martha in the New Testament. I think there is a bit of Mary and Martha in all of us. I also think the story is in the scriptures because it has universal applicability. Choice is a huge part of this earthly experience. The "who" and "what" of our choices often says more about our character than anything else we may do or say. As Jen pointed out, our families really are a huge part of our choice patterns. The fact that we believe so strongly in eternal families maybe is a hint as to the good part. You that have full-time jobs and a family are often taxed with making the choice as to what is the good part. I don't believe there is one pat answer that fits every person or situation. That is why our experiences are so helpful in helping us grow. What was the good part last week, may not be so good this week. Situations change, people change, families change.
ReplyDeleteYou have all said great things. The only thing I would like to share is from Elder Oaks. "This scripture reminds every Martha, male and female, that we should not be so occupied with what is routine and temporal that we fail to cherish those opportunities that are unique and spiritual."
ReplyDelete