David made a good point the other day when I was complaining about not meeting some of my expectations for myself. He said, "All you have to do is set a goal and work until you've accomplished it." My response: "I've set a hundred goals and I can't seem to even get one of them!" Of course I know it's ridiculous, but it's really what I do. I get a fleeting moment of inspiration or motivation, I set a hundred goals, and I am disappointed when it all comes tumbling down. Maybe if I would simplify or focus in on one thing at a time (or ten things at a time for that matter!) I would be able to balance my success and not become overwhelmed by imminent failure.
I liked this talk by Elder Andersen because I often have that nagging feeling of inadequacy. It is true that I don't know everything. But I do know enough. I know what the commandments are and how to keep them. I know the skills I need to develop to become a better teacher. I know the characteristics and habits of a good wife. I know enough to be successful if I only accept that I can't do everything perfectly all at once.
"Our spiritual journey is the process of a lifetime. We do not know everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion comes step-by-step, line upon line. We first build a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We treasure the principles and ordinances of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We include a continuing commitment to prayer, a willingness to be obedient, and an ongoing witness of the Book of Mormon."
I thought he made and interesting comparison between our powerful spiritual experiences and food storage:
"Brothers and sisters, we each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls. As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty. Jesus said, “Settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you.”
I remember reading a talk by Elder Eyring once when he said that great faith has a short shelf-life. We must continually develop it.
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