A Confused Branch on the Vine

A couple posts back, my friend Cathy shared something she gleaned from Corrie ten Boom's A Hiding Place. Corrie was in a WWII concentration camp, and in Cathy's words "she realized that it wasn't important if she was a positive force (though she needed to be)--the only importance was in bringing people closer to the Savior so that he could be the positive force. She was only the conductor and he was the electrical force."

So very often I forget that. I try to do it all myself, forgetting that I can't do it alone, and that I shouldn't because there is a much better and more effective way. In the Bible Christ compares us to branches on a vine, able to grow and bloom when we are connected to Him, but doomed to be a withered shadow of our potential if we separate from Him.

I think I struggle to remember and apply this principle because I don't understand it. I trust the Savior and I do my best to apply his teachings, but I don't yet have the vision of how this one is supposed to work. I think I need to go give this some serious thought.

I suspect it's actual a fairly simple principle, and once I finally grasp it I will sit back and say, "Oh . . . duh." I also suspect that I'm already living the principle to some extent, but not seeing it in those terms. Even if that's the case, I think I could be doing better.

Abridged Version Never Beats the Original

There are many adjectives you might use to describe me, but alas, "prompt" is not one of them. At least two-blog friends have tapped me for this particular tag, and I'm finally getting around to it. Here's how it works:

1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages)
2. Turn to page 123
3. Find the 5th sentence
4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog
5. Tag 5 people

We happen to have President Hinckley's Way to Be! on our desk, and the 123rd page is in his concluding chapter when he's summing up his advice. The 5th sentence: "Be Humble." Good thing he didn't say, "Be Prompt."

STM, Caitlin, Dragonne, Kerri, and Dori--hope you have fun with this one. :)

Was Holding Happiness Map Upside Down

Lately I’ve often felt stressed and unhappy, and today I finally figured out why. I’ve been seeking happiness from things and activities, thinking if I buy this or find some free time to do that it will make me happier. Those things can be fun but they aren’t a source of lasting happiness.

Real happiness comes from making the effort to be a better person and a positive force in the lives of others. How ironic that happiness comes not from indulging ourselves, but from being generous to others and bridling (but not muzzling) our own passions. I’m grateful that the Lord helped me see that this afternoon. My whole outlook and emotional state has changed since I realized that I had things backwards.

Let's hope I remember the lesson this time. Goodness knows it isn't the first time He's had to teach it to me.

Dreading Naptime's End, But Savoring Smiles

Sometimes I still struggle with the fact that parenthood (and adulthood in general) involves a lot of work and not much leisure time. I often dread the moment Joy wakes up from her nap and my "freedom" ends, but then I see her smile when I open the bedroom door, or we read Jamberry for the hundredth time and she still grins when they go over the waterfall, and I think, "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

I'll Write At Least Six Words

This blog is at a crossroads right now. I don't want to give up on it, but I'm not sure how to find time to write posts of the depth and quality that I want to. Until I sort this quandary out, I have an interim plan inspired by the six-word biography project.

Every day I'll write at least six words about that day. Of course, I'll probably write a bit more than that (let's face it--I won't be able to resist the temptation to expound on my cryptic phrases), and some days I'll probably write full-blown posts if inspiration strikes and I have enough time. At any rate, I'll be able to keep this blog going without worrying it'll take an hour each time I post. When I know something is likely to take a big chunk of my very limited time, it can get relegated to my back burner for weeks on end.

Making Memories

At FHE tonight, Phillip shared an article from the Ensign entitled “The Joy of Nurturing Children.” It contained messages from several people about their experiences raising children, and Phillip said that a statement in one of the sections particularly reminded him of me: “We no longer make messes; we make memories.” I still struggle to embrace the chaos sometimes, especially when it involves dirt or spilled food. For that very reason, I’m grateful for the reminder that creating positive, fun memories together is far more important that keeping everyone clean all the time.

Treasures

Have no fear - I haven't given up on this blog. Currently I'm just trying to figure out how to fit it into my busy mom-life, since writing takes more time and mental energy than I ever seem to have available. Until I figure it out, I would at least like to share this little thought from my day.

When Joy got up from her nap this afternoon we headed out the door for our weekly trip to the grocery store. As we walked to the car, I noticed my little daughter grinning in anticipation of our next adventure. I savored the sight of her smile, and the sound of the little quasi-words she loves saying lately. I felt these were sweet memories I want to treasure through eternity. I’m sure it was experiences like these that Elder Ballard had in mind when he encouraged parents to treasure the fun little moments that fly by so fast.