You know what "besets" me, easily, and drives me nuts? Petty obsessions with my own imperfections. I'm 30-freaking-2 years old. I've been doing this for as long as I can remember. When am I going to get a grip and quit wasting time on self-absorbed, self-help projects (diet, exercise, achievement x, y, or z, blah, blah, blah)? Case-in-point: I ran a half-marathon in November, first time. Why? Because I love the exalted feeling of finishing a race? No. The heart of it is I just wanted to lose weight. Guess how much weight I have kept off? Zippo. You know how much time I spent training for that dang thing? I wouldn't be nearly as bothered if all that time away from family and study was spent doing something I really enjoy.
In all this self-centered worrying, I allow myself to be deceived into believing that there is value in this supposed pursuit of excellence. But when it comes right down to it, it is all just a major distraction. Distraction from the hard and rewarding work of putting family first, neighbors first, and the Kingdom first.
Elder Richard G. Scott: "Are there so many fascinating, exciting things to do or so many challenges pressing down upon you that it is hard to keep focused on that which is essential? When things of the world crowd in, all too often the wrong things take highest priority. Then it is easy to forget the fundamental purpose of life. Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people. It is distraction. He would have good people fill life with 'good things' so there is no room for the essential ones. Have you unconsciously been caught in that trap?"
First things first.
What drives you nuts? What things keep you from spending time on things that are actually meaningful?
I can't help but marvel at the saints in Haiti. They are gathering around the church house there. They have lost everything and yet they say they still have everything, their scriptures, their temple recommends, their faith. Many have lost family and friends and yet they minister to each other. I understand now why provident living is more than just storing up food. WE must store up for those times that there may be a lack of faith and testimony. We need to make our bodies fit so that we can endure the hardship of possibly having to start over with a more vigours and arduous plan for ourselves.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest failing is I watch too much TV. And yet when I go away I never miss it. Why can't I just turn it off?
One word...internet. I love blogs; they are my main window and connection with the outside world, and in that way they add a lot of value to my life. But I spend so freaking much time on the internet; it is CRAZY! I am an addict.
ReplyDeleteOur stake president asked that we turn off the TV for a week before ward conference this week.
ReplyDeleteI think pursuing better health is meaningful.
ReplyDeleteTV is a problem for me too. I need to be entertained. I pretend to have a social life - but it is really the life of the characters on the shows I watch. I am a spectator. I have a lot of interests but I lack the ambition to get up/out to do something in regard to those interests. But I love watching others involved in those interests. As much as I am fine with being alone, I don't like to do things alone. Does that make sense? I rarely invite others to do things with me. Except go walking. There is very little I can do alone that is meaningful. I think for things to be more meaningful I need to include other people - real people.
Actually, there is quite a bit I can do alone that is meaningful but those things are meant to fill me up and get me out to do things with others, I think...
So - my answers to the questions are -
I drive me nuts.
I keep me from doing things that are more meaningful.