Often we allow ourselves to lose focus of why we are here and what we are doing. It is so easy to become caught up in everything we feel needs to be done that we forget what our true priorities are. It is important to sit down and remember the simple answers. We are here to prove ourselves to Heavenly Father. We came to earth to receive a body, and to return to him. Our priorities in life should fall along those lines. Another mission that many of us have is to raise a family. Then comes our service in the church.
If we think about it this way, the choices we make should come pretty easily. It is important that we take time on a daily basis to build a strong lasting relationship with God. This is best done by studying the scriptures, real personal prayer, and with meditation. As we do this regularly our relationship will be strong and we will better be able to accomplish the other tasks in our lives.
Our next priority should be our family. The family is a sacred institution. It is easy to allow things to interrupt a good family life. School, extracurricular activities, and work are all valid pursuits that can begin to take up too much of your family’s time. Family home evening and family prayer are good ways to spend time together. Dinner together every night is another great goal for family time.
Church service is third on the list. It is important to remember that the church and all of the church programs are there to support the family. You should not let your calling or other church activities get in the way of family time. This can be a tough balancing act. There may be times when you asked to be released because your family needs you more. You may choose to skip some ward activities so that you can spend that time just as a family. However, if you can serve without taking away from your family, you should. The church is a high priority.
Everything else in life falls below these three things. Your job, school, friends, and other interests should be worked in around the top three. Granted you do need to keep your job in order to support your family. It is also important to have outside interests to help you keep your sanity, but these should never take away from those who need you the most.
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