This weekend was Stake Conference. We always "listen" in the nursery room. While we don't hear nearly as well, it's less stressful than trying to keep 3 kids quiet on the metal folding chairs in the middle of the cultural hall. I couldn't understand most of what was being said, but I did catch the majority of one talk by President Gibb. He started by directing his words primarily to young parents, then told the story of the three little pigs and related it to building strong homes founded on principles of the Gospel. Matthew and I spent a long time talking about how we think we're doing in that department. I think we've built ourselves a nice house of sticks: it's functional, cozy, and keeps out the rain. It isn't so weak that it's ruffled by every slight breeze, but when the big bad wolf comes, I don't know that it's strong enough to withstand his blows. The boys have become increasingly grumpy and ill behaved, and Matthew and I are tired, impatient, and seem to be getting very little done. We evaluated some of our family habits and have concluded that one of our biggest weak spots is TV. We watch entirely too much of it. We've decided therefore to pack it up and put it away. No shows for one month. I know there are better ways to spend our time and I think it will be really good for us all.
My main question going in to this most recent General Conference was concerning my priorities and how I was to get everything done. I was particularly impressed that my main and most important priority is my family, specifically my children. Yes, there are a lot of things to do. There will always be dishes to wash, laundry to fold, toilets to clean, and meals to prepare, and it's important to keep an orderly home where the Spirit can dwell, but the kids really don't care so much about those things. They won't remember if this house had baseboards or if there were always clothes in the dryer. They will remember, however, if I was often yelling or constantly making excuses not to spend time with them. They will remember how I made them feel, and it will influence who they become. My priority, regardless of anything else going on, is to make sure they know they are beloved children of God, then teach them what that means and how to apply it.
If you fail to build a strong home, you fail.
2 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing. It's interesting that I have learned the same lesson recently. I just received a new calling at the temple and felt it was coming the moment the temple president called me to set up an appointment. As I thought about how I would fit one more huge responsibility into my already busy life, I felt prompted to cut out most of my TV watching. I know TV in small quantities can help me relax and bring balance to my life, but I can do with a lot less of it. And I honestly don't think I'll miss it one bit! It's amazing how much more we can feel the Spirit when we cut out some of the clutter in our lives :)
I do not have as much contact with you as I did when I was younger, but I know you really well. You have your priorities in the right place. Quality time with your family is more important than chasing cobwebs . . . and I love a clean house. My disability is the only thing that keeps me from becoming a full-blown tidy freak.
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