Last week I stumbled upon a talk by M. Russell Ballard. The talk is “Keeping Life’s Demands in Balance.” The title really called out to me, and so I read the talk. It is an excellent talk about finding a way to accomplish the things, which are most important to you. Elder Ballard opens the talk speaking about an experience he had when he had to undergo surgery to see whether or not he had cancer. This crisis gave him a chance to look at his priorities.
Elder Ballard then goes on to say that many people feel that life is out of balance as they juggle to prioritize the different roles they have in life. He gives this advice:
“First, think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often “withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:16). We need to do the same thing occasionally to rejuvenate ourselves spiritually as the Savior did. Write down the tasks you would like to accomplish each day. Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants you have made with the Lord as you write down your daily schedules.”
Elder Ballard then recommends that you set short term achievable goals to help you reach your priorities. Pray for guidance as you set your goals. Elder Ballard also recommends that you make financial goals and keep to a set budget. He speaks of the turmoil that debt can bring to a family situation.
Elder Ballard gives counsel to stay close to your families and to make time to spend together as a family. He also recommends having a set time for personal scripture study. He also recommends scheduling time daily for exercise, rest, and relaxation.
Elder Ballard speaks of the importance of holding regular family home evenings in your home. He speaks of how this will build the testimonies of your family members. The final advice that Elder Ballard gives is to conduct daily family prayers with your family.
Elder Ballard ends his talk by saying:
“Often the lack of clear direction and goals can waste away our time and energy and contribute to imbalance in our lives. A life that gets out of balance is much like a car tire that is out of balance. It will make the operation of the car rough and unsafe. Tires in perfect balance can give a smooth and comfortable ride. So it is with life. The ride through mortality can be smoother for us when we strive to stay in balance. Our main goal should be to seek “immortality and eternal life” (Moses 1:39). With this as our goal, why not eliminate from our lives the things that clamor for and consume our thoughts, feelings, and energies without contributing to our reaching that goal . . .
“Not long ago, one of my children said, “Dad, sometimes I wonder if I will ever make it.” The answer I gave to her is the same as I would give to you if you have had similar feelings. Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.”
This is a wonderful talk full of sound advice for those struggling to stay in balance. He truly speaks to all walks of life as he lists the things that people can do to bring their lives back into balance. I hope that you will take the time read this talk. It is excellent.