Essential, Necessary, Nice

And 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. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. Mosiah 4:27

Recently we heard Julie Beck, the president of the general Relief Society speak at a fireside. She did a question and answer session in which someone asked her about setting priorities. She said that she likes to categorize the tasks for her day as being essential, necessary or nice. The essential things are the things that help her gain salvation, the necessary things sustain life and the nice things are, well, nice. This is not a new idea, but somehow the labels essential, necessary and nice brought clarity to me. Most of the things that I enjoy doing are nice, and I'm fairly good at getting the necessary things done. I'm beginning to ponder more what is essential and to answer the question, what essential things should I do today.

A Very Short Parable

Once there was a woman making a quilt. After hours of work she realized that it is the tangled thread, knots and misplaced stitches that make quilting take such a long time.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is heaven. Matthew 7:21 and 3 Nephi 14:21

My two-year-old grandson has learned the mighty word no. With his sweet little "No Daddy," he would choose not to have his diaper changed or get dressed in the morning or put away his toys. Sometimes he's very sure of his two-year-old view of the world. "This is a called a donkey." "No Mommy, it's an animal."

Today I decided that I am a spiritual two-year-old. I don't exactly say no to Heavenly Father, but I don't always listen very well, either. I'm sure I miss opportunities to do good because I trust my own timetable instead of quickly heeding the promptings of the spirit. And I know I sometimes cling to my own ideas thus robbing myself of the chance to grow and learn.

I will not forget thee

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the fruit of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Behold, I have graven thee on the palms of my hands... Isaiah 49:15-16 and 1 Nephi 21:15:16

I heard this scripture this morning and thought of the Savior's wounded hands.