And Sometimes We Fall...

Anyone who has been around a toddler knows that falls, trips, bonks, bruises, cuts, and tears are a daily occurrence. I have been pretty lucky because Emree is just plain scared. She won't go climbing up things or out of things or into things, but we have still had our fair share of bruises. Today (don't judge me) she fell off the table. It was a big fall and one that left her traumatized for the rest of the morning. She told me about it over and over again and seemed to be easily provoked at play group. However, the best part about kids is their short term memory. Tomorrow I bet she will climb up on that table again and not give it a second thought.

Anyone who is anyone, knows that as adults we often fall into our own silly mistakes. I have recently found myself with a bruise on my ego as I read a talk from general conference. I was crying to Tyler the other night ( I cry a lot normally, but it is definitely increased when I am pregnant) about how pointless my "to do" lists were. I told him that if nothing got done in one day no one would care. He reassured me, as best he could, that he would care. He did what any man tries to do, patiently listen regardless of how silly the topic seemed and then gave me a reassuring hug. Today, I remembered this from President Uchtdorf's talk in October...

Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives.

It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks.

Lastly he concluded...

Brothers and sisters, let us be wise. Let us turn to the pure doctrinal waters of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us joyfully partake of them in their simplicity and plainness. The heavens are open again. The gospel of Jesus Christ is on earth once more, and its simple truths are a plentiful source of joy!

Brothers and sisters, indeed we have great reason to rejoice. If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.

Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most.

Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace. For this I pray, as I leave you my blessing, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sometimes we just need a little bruise here and there to put us back on track!

If you want to read the whole talk... here is the link:
LDS.org - Ensign Article - Of Things That Matter Most