Obsess Much?

I suffer from a number of self-diagnosed maladies: "All-or-nothing" Syndrome, "Opposition-to-cleaning-toilets" Syndrome,and "Irrational-fear-of-bears" Syndrome to name just a few. I also suffer from a very common, yet dangerous ailment called "Tunnel-vision" Syndrome. The net effects are that I dial in on, and sometimes obsess on, one task or project and all else seems to be pushed to the back of my mind.

Sometimes I get "Tunnel-vision" in my daily life. I get so focused on keeping my home up, taking care of the family and all that is associated with it, that I don't thing of much else.

In D&C 25:10 The Lord tells Emma Smith: "And verily I say unto thee that thou should lay aside the things of this world, and seek for things of the better."

Of this, President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "I feel he was not telling Emma that she should not feel concerned about a place to live, food on her table, and clothing. He was saying to her that she should not be obsessed with these things as many of us are wont to be. He was telling her to get her thoughts on the higher things in life - the things of righteousness and goodness, matter of charity and love for others, and the things of eternity."

In a post on my other blog, My Dates with God, I wrote about the needful things -my testimony and my faith. That was over a year ago, and I still find that I struggle with the same thing- staying focused on the eternal while dealing with the earthly. I wish I could say that, since I understand the concept in theory, I have perfected it in reality, but that is not the case. I suppose that is part of enduring to the end- trying to live everyday the way we know we should.

While "Tunnel-vision" Syndrome is not a sin, it can keep our mind - and heart- distracted from the things that matter most, the things of eternity. It takes effort to keep you eyes to the sky and your feet on the ground without tripping. We can be so focused on the task at hand that we don't think about the "things of a better." For me, that is realizing that my home may not always look picture-perfect, I may not make gourmet meals every night (not even close!), and I might rarely have a day where my To-Do list was completed. And that is OK.

I wrote in my blog that the "laundry doesn't cry when it doesn't get folded." It's true- even when I had 5 loads piled on my bed a few weeks ago- not a tear from the towels, not a peep from the pants, not a whimper from the whites. I am learning through trial and error, that when I do keep my mind open to the things of eternity, when I allow the Spirit to lead me throughout the day, as I am taking care of the things of this world, I will find more purpose in life and more joy.

I might not accomplish all that I want to do in a day. But, hopefully, I will be able to do all that He wants me to do every day.

Look

I love the scriptures. I love the way they feel, the way they smell, the way they teach and the way they make me feel the Spirit. I love the complexity of Isaiah, and the plainness of Nephi.

Today as I was flipping through my scriptures I came across the Book of Moses, chapter 1. I love reading about God's interactions with His children. He spoke with Moses, face to face - how would that be? First he clarified who He is (like there was a chance Moses couldn't have known!), then he makes sure Moses understands their relationship: "thou art my son." What a loving Father!

Then He says something that struck me tonight. Immediately after establishing their Father/son relationship, God says to Moses, "look, and I will show thee..." He doesn't put it all out there for Moses. He requires something of him first: Look. Then, if he looks, he will see something wonderful.

I know that Heavenly Father has things to show each of us, marvelous things, if we but look when He asks. It almost sounds too easy, doesnt' it? Well, that's what the Israelites thought when they were told to look at the serpent and they will be healed. Many didn't because it was too easy.

I wonder how many times in my life my Father has has something to show me, and he has gently, through the Spirit, said, "Michelle, look." How often did I look? How often did I not? I don't know. But what I do know is that I have a renewed determination to look; look to Him, look for the inspiration through the Spirit, look for the beauty in life- just look. I am eager to see what other marvelous things He has to show me.

And We're Back!

I feel like I am returning the show after an all-too-long commercial break! I have let life get in the way of life, but now I am back to my first love- writing about the Gospel. I hope to see you come around more and share your feelings, too.