Simplify During the Holidays -- Focus on Your Testimony

The holidays can be busy times! I talked with some moms today (me included) and we were just in a funk...

Then one of them reminded me: remember that all it takes is for us to be holding onto the "rod" when the Savior comes again. I could be curled up in a fetal position, with only my pinky finger touching the rod -- that is enough...I read an article that said, "If you have to give up something, make it anything but your testimony." It is so true!

President Uchtdorf has said, "We even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or a sign of a superior life."

When I first began as the primary chorister, it was really easy to get caught up in the props and making each Sunday themed. It's easy to think "I'm magnifying my calling!" But really, that's beyond what is required of me. President Kimball said, "may we keep church programs and organizations simple." Meetings have been cut back and activities scaled down purposefully to make the family time (even family gospel teaching) a priority. How am I using my time?

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As a mother/wife/homemaker I think through my responsibilities -- I can easily let my mind run wild until I've created a never-ending list of what I should do and be. I'd clean all the mineral deposits off my sink so it shines, I would read to my girls every day, write my husband love notes..and so it goes! This life is too big for us to do alone. We can never do all of those things on our imaginary "good person" list. Life brings me to my knees, forcing me to rely on Heavenly Father and the Savior's atonement. It's beautiful! If we could do it all on our own, we wouldn't remember so readily to humbly turn to Him.

The things He asks me to do aren't too hard. Attend all of my Sunday meetings, attend the temple, visit teach (which is serving others), fulfill my calling, read my scriptures daily, and pray. Each of these things is given for our good -- each of them brings us to Him. They each help our lives to go smoothly. They help us keep an eternal perspective and not be deceived and confused by the teachings of the world.

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I have many self-imposed standards that Heavenly Father doesn't ask of me. I want to let go of them and seek His will for my life. I want to wake up and ask "What are Your priorities for me today?" By acting on the promptings, I will remember His burden is easy and His yoke is light. He offers forgiveness and charity. To let myself feel His love and see myself and others through His eyes is a worthy goal.