Timing & Patience

C.S. Lewis said the following:

 "Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is different". 

This one little phrase made me look back at my own life and reflect upon passed events.  Sometimes I ask myself, "where would I be if ...?" I am sure everyone has moments like this.  I began to think about life and it's timing.  I believe that certain things happen for a reason at a specific time. Everyone has heard the phrase "everything happens for a reason".  I truly believe this. Sometimes we may not know why something happens or what is going to come of the decisions we make in our life but, there is a reason for what is happening.  At times this can be rough and at other times it can be joyful.

However, if we are prayerful through the decisions we make, the Lord will guide our every step. He will lead us to where He knows is best.  This doesn't mean the journey is always an amazing ride. It also doesn't mean everything happens right away. There will be bumps along the way, but it's those bumps, that I believe will make us stronger when we reach His destination.  

I remember hearing something in college from a professor that has touched my life.  He said, "You are the only one that can do what you are here to do."  

                                                 

Somethings we want in life are dependent upon timing.  Sometimes we find ourselves hoping, wishing, praying for certain things but in the end it's all about the Lord's timing.  There are also times when we look bad and thank the Lord for not granting the want we had.  What do I mean you may ask? Take for example finding the perfect job.  When you look back on your life thus far, did you need certain jobs to get you to where you are now?  Did you have to go through a few rough patches to get to where you are?  Did you have to alter your course because you felt or knew that you wanted something different out of life?  

With time we learn who we are, who we want to be, and who we ought to be. When life doesn't go our way try and think "what do I need to learn from this?", "what can I learn from this?" or "what changes can I make to get me to where I should be?" 

The Lord knows each and every one of us.  We are His children.  He loves us.  He wants what is best for His children just like any parent would.  So hang in there!  It will all work out.  We might just need a little patience until we get there.

Questions to think about:

Why is timing important?  Should we get everything we want with no questions or trials? Why or why not? 

Family Home Evening Ideas:

Talk about the importance of timing and the patience needed. When has timing needed to be right for things to turn out? (i.e. Christ's birth, meeting a spouse, Joseph Smith's First Vision, a job, moving, etc.)
Kid Activity: You could place a treat like a brownie in front of each child and tell them not to eat it until you get back into the room.  Leave for a few minutes.  When you come back, see who has eaten the treat and who hasn't.  Reward those that did not eat the treat with another treat like ice cream for their obedience and patience.  Teach that good things come to those who wait and who listen to the guidance given.

Follow up from previous months:

I hope everyone was able to serve someone and that it brought a smile to your face as well as theirs. How are your goals coming along?  Keep going!! Get back on track if you need to.  We are 3 months in now!!