The day is nearly upon us and I have had a very introspective year. Hence the lack of blog posts, although that has become the norm for me it would appear. This is a more informal post, but one of significance I believe: It is Christmas time, that time of year when we hope that our hearts come closer to those divine tendencies that we wish to have and that the world is in so desperate need of. This year my message is found in Alma, chapter 38, which is a particularly favorite chapter of mine because when I was younger, my mother left me some very strong advice from out of this chapter and even marked which parts she wanted me to pay closer attention.
I loved my mother, and her words still ring true today, even though they be borrowed from Alma, they are still relevant to us today. My focus is drawn to verse 10 of this chapter, in particular the line that reads: “I would that you would be diligent and temperate in all things.” We all understand the word diligence, or at least we think we do. However, many times it seems that we seem to mistake diligence for fanaticism. Diligence is defined as “having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties” meaning that we care about what is going on around us and we are drawn to do those things that are right. Diligence is a trait that is cultivated and bought through laborious years of finding the right balance, which is shown in the other word used in Alma's exhortations to his son: temperate.
Temperate is defined as “showing moderation or self-restraint”. This extends to the Gospel as well. Part of having diligence is knowing the proper application of time, place, and loyalties. Too often I think we find ourselves feeling that we aren't doing enough, or that Heavenly Father must be displeased with us because of his comparative silence in our lives as to what we perceive his guidance in the lives of others. Such is not the issue. The Lord is constantly warning us through his modern day prophets to avoid comparison, that is a very deadly form of pride, and at this time of year it can be an even easier trap to fall into if we are not careful.
This is a season of love, in particular the love that God has shown us in the gift of his son, “for God so loved the world...” such an iconic scripture that it would be quaint if its message weren't so true. God loves us, and in this time of year when we are so focused on giving and others, sometimes that action of looking to others can have a negative rebound when we see others who have more of one virtue or thing that we ourselves wish we had more. Hard economic times have forced many of us to situations that we wouldn't have thought of just a few short years prior. Yet it seems that in his infinite love for us, it is still possible to feel the love of the season, if we but put our minds to it. Apply that diligence and temperance in those things that are needed to be controlled, and do not fret when our fears or worries overwhelm us, this storm is over us and yet there is nothing to fear. Elder Ballard remarked to the youth “Remember, you can be exalted, young people, you can be exalted without having a college degree, without a successful career. You can be exalted without being rich, so focus the best you can on those things in life that will lead you back to the presence of God, keep all proper things in balance.” Again we are lead to another definition of temperance, keeping all things in balance.
Perhaps this would be a good goal for the upcoming year: balance, temperance, and diligence. The Gospel of Christ is such that, as Elder Maxwell pointed out, every detail has been forseen to by Him. The star of Bethlehem had to placed in that precise spot thousands of years before Mary was visited by Gabriel and the life of our Saviour was begun. God knows the details, we simply must focus on finding that balance in our own lives. Thankfully, we have our whole lives to figure that out. Unfortunately, it'll probably take at least that long. In the meantime, let us forget our troubles for a few days and focus on the important things that this season has to offer: Love, family, friends, good food and good memories. For those of us so blessed, I say God bless and here's to a new year. For those who are struggling, know that it will all “work together for thy good”. God has not abandoned any of us, and he will not leave you bereft of comfort. He is mindful, and He loves you, “so focus the best you can on those things in life that will lead you back to the presence of God, keep all proper things in balance.”
Merry Christmas, everyone.
