Being Diligent

And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. Mosiah 4:27

This is one of my favorite scriptures. I have a lot of trouble being diligent. In part, it is the plague of perfectionism--if I can't do something perfectly the first time I try, I don't want to bother. In part, it is allowing myself to be overwhelmed by all I need to do, instead of chopping it up into bite-sized pieces so I can handle it a little at a time. There are all kinds of factors that can affect our ability to have self-discipline, self-control, self-mastery.

One thing I try hard to remember is that we learn by doing, not by thinking about it or reading about it. We are here on earth to gain experience. We are here to grow and to become stronger and wiser.

Another thing I try to remember is that regardless of the past, regardless of whatever caused the various issues I have, I am all grown up now and it is my choice as to how I act now. No one else is responsible for me and what I do or don't do--I am.

I believe with all my heart that the Lord stands ready to help and encourage us, but we have to do our part. As the scripture above indicates, we don't have to run faster than we have strength. We do, however, have to persist in doing. And so I shall.