“In providing out-of-home activities for the family, we must use
care; otherwise, we could be like a father determined to provide
everything for his family. He devotes every energy to that end
and succeeds; only then does he discover that what they needed,
most, to be together as a family, has been neglected.”
most, to be together as a family, has been neglected.”
~ President Boyd K. Packer
How can you help your family receive the strength
that comes from being “gathered together”?
This is so pervasive in our culture right now. I have pondered this and daily have to remind myself that it is OK if my kids don't do everything and be involved in everything that is good or pleasing. It is more important to me that we are home together for dinner, FHE and scriptures and prayers. Everything else is secondary. Our energy, our best energy is to be devoted to the eseential things. I have been trying to up my game in planning/helping the kids to plan good FHE lessons and activites. I have been trying to spend more individual time to each child when they are ready to talk (usually at bedtime) even though I am tired. If I don't sit and listen when they are 13, 12, 10...will they talk to me when thngs get harder and more serious at 15, 16, 17...we do need fun vacations and experiences to share that are positive, too. But that is not the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Natalie - from my vantage point you are very wise to put the focus where you are. It is the armor that will get your children through the gauntlet they face in the world.
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