Well this has been an incredible first week of the cambio. We were able to start it off well with our interviews with President Arrington. Throughout my time in the mission I have learned how to prepare myself spiritually for my interviews with him and really take advantage of the opportuinity I have to ask him any question I may have. Lately I have been feeling a little overwhelmed with all of the demands and responsablities that come from being a missionary. We are constantly pushing ourselves to reach higher goals and manage a million things. I often felt like when I am giving all I have and striving to improve my weaknesses someone demands more of me. With so many things to try and accomplish I feel like I often ask how can I do it all? How can I be certain God is pleased with my efforts? I asked President about it and he gave me some really valuable advice. First he said, ¨Hermana, I want you to remember you will NEVER get it all done. All you can control is what you put at the top of the list, the thing that is most imporotant. If you are working to do your best on those that are of highest prioritee, that is all the Lord expects of you.¨
He then went on to explain a conference he attended with his wife at Weber Sate when Elder Bednar spoke abot how ¨the perfect balance¨ doesnt exist. Many desire for the perfect balance with our families, work, callings, and school, but just depending on the moment and day is where we give the attention when it is needed. He said that Elder Bednar gave an analogy that each of us have a lot of plates that are spinning on strings which represent the things we need to do in our lives. All of them continue to spin but sometimes a few get so low that they almost fall, so we have to give a little more attention to that plate and help it to keep spinning so that it doesn´t fall.
I have never heard of that analogy before but it truly helped me to understand how I can focus on what is most important and depending on the day that focus may change, but as long as I am focusing on what is truly most important, although I may not be perfect and although I may not get everything done, Heavenly Father will be pleased with my efforts.
I would like to invite all of you to evaluate your lives, to think about all of the many things you have on your ¨to do list¨ and to ask your Heavenly Father which of all those many things are really of most importance in this moment of your lives. I know that as we focus in on what matters most we will be happier, feel a decreased amount of stress, and will be more aware of the way we are using our time. Remeber as is says in Alma 34:32-34 Now is the time for us to prepare to meet God. Our time on Earth is very short but the way we use this time will determine our eternity. USE IT WELL!
I love you all so much! Thank you for your constant love, thoughts, and prayers. Have a wonderful week.
Con harto cariño,
Hermana Parkin