Challenges and Opportunities

When I think of a challenge, do I also consider the opportunity that I have been given to grow in a new way? I would say that the answer is most often- NO, I don't. This week as I was able to read about special challenges that are presented in families, I was able to think about some of the challenges that I have personally experienced. The worry, stress, sadness, and range of emotions is often difficult to express. No matter what I have gone through, I know that my Heavenly Father has always been there for me.

Family- Work and Wholesome Recreation

Reading and understanding more about work and "wholesome recreation" has really been so helpful for me right now. As a youth leader for the young women, there are many opportunities to share insights and learning in our Sunday class about these particular subjects. These wonderful young women are eager to share their experiences and opinions, but I am not sure they (or I) am able to share the real meaning of the importance of work in the home, in our lives, and in the eternal scheme of things. I have also seen the social science research about the benefits of helping in the home in "family care" (doing things to help the entire family) as opposed to just completing "self care" (cleaning my room, my mess, etc..) I really enjoyed reading an article by Kathleen Bahr and Cheri Loveless titled Family Work from BYU magazine. I want to be able to read this again and again for the wonderful message that was taught in the article.

I've also gained a better understanding of recreation-- the benefits in my life and what this type of activity can be in my family. So often we think of "fun" as something completely different than what we really need. The simply acquirement of pleasure, comfort, and wealth are not the key ingredients that make a person happy. Many of the activities that we participate in for recreation only bring a temporary moment of "happiness"... and one that we quickly adapt to. We then need to find something else, something bigger and better to enjoy. This is a cycle of finding comfort or pleasure simply in itself, thinking that we will be happier if we had more comforts in our life.

Family Happiness

Our personal happiness has a lot to do with whether our family is happy. It is interesting to read and see the strong connection between the two and the different elements that interact with one another within a familial context. One important principle to remember is that our Heavenly Father has sent each one of us here on Earth to learn and grow, the most powerful form of growth occurs in our homes in the framework of families.

In the reading this week, I was able to think more about faith in family life and the role that my own religious beliefs and practices have influenced me and the person that I have become. I have also been intrigued with the religious community, practices, and beliefs that have become so intertwined in my life while raising my own children. One of my classmates spoke about the strength that she is able to see from the strong, religious upbringing of her children and the effect it has played even when they are grown up and away from home. I thought about how it is one thing to believe, but to practice and participate is another aspect all together. Intertwined and together, these three dimensions in family life lead to action. In the LECTURES ON FAITH, Joseph Smith defined faith not only as belief but as "the principle of action in all intelligent beings".

Another chapter discussed the power of prayer and the influence for good that this principle can have, especially in times of distress and trouble within a marriage and family. Becoming a mother has helped me to recognize and appreciate my Heavenly Father in multiple ways and how important prayer is in my life. I think about my children and how much I truly love them, how much I want to help them to grow and learn, and also the sadness I feel when they feel sad. I know that Heavenly Father views me in this way as well. He loves me for who I am and who I can become. He wants me to learn and grow-- that is why I am here. He is also sad when I feel sad. The best way to build and understand my Father is to speak to Him and use prayer in my life to build that relationship.

Finally, I was able to read and understand the principles of repentance and forgiveness in an individual and family perspective. There was so much I that I hope to be able to understand better from this chapter. In finding the key aspects and putting them under the "page" in family happiness, I hope to be able to draw on the wisdom and understanding found under this particular reading assignment.