"Wherefore if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day." ~1 Nephi 22:31
Normally when I hear about enduring to the end, it comes in the context of enduring through a big trial such as sickness or unemployment.
Does that make sense? Of course it does.
But I think that there is more to enduring than just enduring hard times.
My favorite definition for enduring to the end is this:
Enduring to the end means learning to do the small things in every stage of your life.
"The small things" include scripture study, personal prayer, family home evening, going to church.
I don't know about you, but when I got married I had to learn again how to read my scriptures. Hunkering down in my bed at night to read just didn't work anymore because someone else was there!
Then, when my son was born, my schedule was no longer determined by me. Again I had to find new time to study my scriptures.
I also think that expectations have to be adjusted. I loved going to church meetings and taking notes of thoughts or teachings that stood out to me. Now, with two very young kids, I still try to take notes but am lucky to get just two thoughts written down during the three hour block.
"...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bring about the salvation of many souls."
~Alma 37: 6-7
"The small things" include scripture study, personal prayer, family home evening, going to church.
I don't know about you, but when I got married I had to learn again how to read my scriptures. Hunkering down in my bed at night to read just didn't work anymore because someone else was there!
Then, when my son was born, my schedule was no longer determined by me. Again I had to find new time to study my scriptures.
I also think that expectations have to be adjusted. I loved going to church meetings and taking notes of thoughts or teachings that stood out to me. Now, with two very young kids, I still try to take notes but am lucky to get just two thoughts written down during the three hour block.
"...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bring about the salvation of many souls."
~Alma 37: 6-7
Enduring to the end really is only made up of making small choices each day.
The choice to read the scriptures - even if you only have five minutes before the kids wake up from nap time.
The choice to read the scriptures - even if you only have five minutes before the kids wake up from nap time.
The choice to have family home evening - even if it only lasts ten minutes because the two year old is having a meltdown.
The choice to say daily prayers - whenever you find a spare two minutes.
I know that my days go so much better if I take just a few minutes to do the small things I am asked to do. (Of course, I have more time I definitely take advantage of it!)
When we are in the habit of doing the small daily tasks that keep us close to the Spirit, when big trials come along we already have those tasks built into our routine. We are already close to Spirit and know how to listen to and follow those promptings.
When we learn to do the small things, we are better prepared for the big, unexpected trials that may, and will, come our way.
~Lisa~
The choice to say daily prayers - whenever you find a spare two minutes.
I know that my days go so much better if I take just a few minutes to do the small things I am asked to do. (Of course, I have more time I definitely take advantage of it!)
When we are in the habit of doing the small daily tasks that keep us close to the Spirit, when big trials come along we already have those tasks built into our routine. We are already close to Spirit and know how to listen to and follow those promptings.
When we learn to do the small things, we are better prepared for the big, unexpected trials that may, and will, come our way.
~Lisa~
2 comments:
I really appreciated this timely reminder. It's just what I needed to hear today. Thanks for making the effort to put it together so eloquently, Lisa.
Thanks for the compliment Heather. I wrote this post because it has been something I have been trying to remind myself of lately. I just have to do my best and trust Heavenly Father to fill in the rest!
Post a Comment