Look! A distraction!
*Looks* ..... *Is Distracted*
Ok! Oh, what's with the distraction? Well...I guess I'll explain that later. :)
So. A few weeks back (the first weekend of October to be exact) was General Conference. And let me tell you, I LOVE General Conference. Seriously, it not only makes my week, it makes my month. And even my year. Or half year. ;)
For those unfamiliar with General Conference, it's basically a time set aside every six months, where the leaders of my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, gather together and speak about the Gospel.
Since I'm going to school here at BYU, I had the great opportunity to be close to Conference as it was held. (BYU is in Provo, Utah....Conference is in Salt Lake.) Exciting.
Although all the talks were important, and applicable to my life, there was one talk in particular that stood out in my mind.
Ian S. Ardern. His talk? All about time.
Eh? See the connection?
Distractions. I'm so easily distracted! Too easily actually! In my college life, I try to prioritize...the Gospel and Education come first and foremost, BUT....
And this is where this talk comes in. :) It's exactly what I needed to hear.
I think that his talk is extremely applicable to everyone - There is not one of us who doesn't deal with time. His words were thoughtful and insightful. I really recommend watching it. (Here. I'll post a link.) :)
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/a-time-to-prepare?lang=eng
In his talk, Ian S. Ardern said, "Time is never for sale; time is a commodity that cannot, try as you may, be bought at any store for any price. Yet when time is wisely used, its value is immeasurable."
I know that this is true. Time in invaluable. Time is limited. It is extremely important in this life to use our precious time to the best of our abilities, in a way that our Heavenly Father wants us to.
I know that everyday it is easily to wish to use time to to the best of our abilities, and yet it is so easy to fall into habits that simply waste our precious time.
For example, Brother Ardern brought up instant communication...which is "quite literally at our fingertips." Texting, Tweeting, Facebook...these things can be good...If used in moderation. But if they constantly begging for our attention, consuming our interest and time, I think it's time to stop, and think of how to use our time more productively. Me? I'm guilty. For sure. That's why this talk was so good for me. But I also recognize the importance of using time to the best of my ability, by setting goals, trying to avoid distractions, and being productive, helpful and willing to serve those around me. Am I perfect? By all means, no. But if I set a goal...To set goals...To be productive, I'm sure I'll make a better use of my time. And if I do that I know I'll be happier, and more successful.
Brother Ardern also said that, "...we must devote our time to the things that matter most, and the things of God matter most."
Service, Scriptures, Prayer, Family...All these things (and so much more!) are vital to make time for in our daily lives!
Like Brother Uchtdorf said: "in family relationships, love is really spelled T-I-M-E."
I know these things to be true. If I allow the Gospel to become the central focus of my life, all other aspects will fall in place, along with the time to do them.
And then - I'll be the master of time...Instead of time being a master over me. :)
And that, my friends, would make all the difference.
