Work is so essential to our learning. I really like what Virginia Pearce said in a conference address about the pioneers and work: "Week after week, they sang as they walked and walked and walked and walked and walked. When I think of pioneers, tragic scenes come to mind: handcarts in blizzards, sickness, frozen feet, empty stomachs, and shallow graves. However, as I learn more about that monumental trek I am convinced that along with those very real and dramatic scenes, most of the journey for most of the people was pretty routine. Mostly they walked and walked and walked." She then goes on to say, "This week-after-week walking forward is no small accomplishment. The pioneer steadiness, the plain, old, hard work of it all, their willingness to move inch by inch, step by step toward the promised land inspire me as much as their more obvious acts of courage. It is so difficult to keep believing that we are making progress when we are moving at such a pace—to keep believing in the future when the mileage of the day is so minuscule."
I think work contributes to happiness because it is something we can control. I try to live by and teach my children the principle of focusing on what we can control, which is our actions, attitude, desire, etc.. I am not a happy person when I allow myself to dwell on those things outside my control or my ability to change...which is usually people. Nephi could not change the actions of Laman and Lemuel and so he and his people modeled for us focusing their efforts and energies into what they could control; including, getting out of a bad situation, worshiping God and keeping the commandments, being self sufficient by planted and raising their own food, and making weapons to protect themselves. Nephi shows this principle in action when he says in verse 18, "I did for them according to that which was IN MY POWER" and verse 27 "and they did live after the manner of happiness."
I love that all the hard work that is done and things that are being taught and preparations made for the people that a temple is built. Not only was Nephi mindful of what his family and posterity would need temporally to keep them alive and safe, but also spiritually. Hard work and sacrificing for spiritual things will bring us real and true happiness.
Great talk posted today! So many excellent quotes, one of my favorites "If at first you do succeed, try something harder." Of all the qualities that I admire about Nephi, his initiative to take the reigns and move things forward is near the top of the list. Never afraid of hard work, it's merely a means to an end for him. Travel back to Jerusalem and get the plates, provide food for his family in the wilderness - even when his bow breaks, build a ship, build weapons for protection, build buildings and a temple. . . That can do attitude is something I want more of.
In the talk Brother Clarke also taught that work is an antidote for worry, depression, and doubt. I never really considered why the Lord stated that the earth would be cursed "for thy sake," but looking at it through the lens of how much hard work benefits us - this statement makes perfect sense.
Work is so essential to our learning. I really like what Virginia Pearce said in a conference address about the pioneers and work: "Week after week, they sang as they walked and walked and walked and walked and walked. When I think of pioneers, tragic scenes come to mind: handcarts in blizzards, sickness, frozen feet, empty stomachs, and shallow graves. However, as I learn more about that monumental trek I am convinced that along with those very real and dramatic scenes, most of the journey for most of the people was pretty routine. Mostly they walked and walked and walked."
ReplyDeleteShe then goes on to say, "This week-after-week walking forward is no small accomplishment. The pioneer steadiness, the plain, old, hard work of it all, their willingness to move inch by inch, step by step toward the promised land inspire me as much as their more obvious acts of courage. It is so difficult to keep believing that we are making progress when we are moving at such a pace—to keep believing in the future when the mileage of the day is so minuscule."
I love this quote, it is exactly what i needed to hear today. Thank you!!
DeleteLove this!
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ReplyDeleteI think work contributes to happiness because it is something we can control. I try to live by and teach my children the principle of focusing on what we can control, which is our actions, attitude, desire, etc.. I am not a happy person when I allow myself to dwell on those things outside my control or my ability to change...which is usually people. Nephi could not change the actions of Laman and Lemuel and so he and his people modeled for us focusing their efforts and energies into what they could control; including, getting out of a bad situation, worshiping God and keeping the commandments, being self sufficient by planted and raising their own food, and making weapons to protect themselves. Nephi shows this principle in action when he says in verse 18, "I did for them according to that which was IN MY POWER" and verse 27 "and they did live after the manner of happiness."
ReplyDeleteI love that all the hard work that is done and things that are being taught and preparations made for the people that a temple is built. Not only was Nephi mindful of what his family and posterity would need temporally to keep them alive and safe, but also spiritually. Hard work and sacrificing for spiritual things will bring us real and true happiness.
ReplyDeleteGreat talk posted today! So many excellent quotes, one of my favorites "If at first you do succeed, try something harder." Of all the qualities that I admire about Nephi, his initiative to take the reigns and move things forward is near the top of the list. Never afraid of hard work, it's merely a means to an end for him. Travel back to Jerusalem and get the plates, provide food for his family in the wilderness - even when his bow breaks, build a ship, build weapons for protection, build buildings and a temple. . . That can do attitude is something I want more of.
ReplyDeleteIn the talk Brother Clarke also taught that work is an antidote for worry, depression, and doubt. I never really considered why the Lord stated that the earth would be cursed "for thy sake," but looking at it through the lens of how much hard work benefits us - this statement makes perfect sense.
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ReplyDelete