The Good vs the Best

(continuing the Chuck)

Isn't t that what the Gospel is all about? How many examples in the scriptures are there of single moments that have turned someone's life completely around & headed them in a new & better direction? The goal is not to see how far away we can reach from the Iron Rod and still have a finger tip on it...it's to see how firm a grasp we can maintain when everything is crumbling around us and forces are trying to tear us away. How strong is your hold when you are grasping at all the other stuff?  Doesn't matter how GREAT we think we are - no one can focus on holding tight with one hand & juggling all the rest with the other....something is eventually gonna give and come crashing down on us & our grip will let go...even if only for a split second...but that's all it takes.  I've blogged before about the baggage we haul around...a ton. 

 This time...this year is more about what we need to chuck to spiritually get back to where we want to be - defining the "good" from the "best"...there really is "too much of a good thing".  Whenever what you're doing...no matter the noble/good intention...takes over life & removes you from doing the best....it's too much.

We really need to keep ourselves spiritually fed daily, listen & heed those promptings when they come...then we are sure to doing better.  I read this quote and it really touched me...

I am very often guilty of doing the good & ignoring the best until I really notice that my grip has weakened & I'm holding by a few fingers totally distracted by all the "good stuff" in my day to day life. Here's an example...

I have been completely enslaved & engrossed in Family History since June of last year. I have had GREAT success in finding and adding family members to our tree....280 or so.  Now that is a WAY GOOD thing to spend my time & energy on BUT what it's done is supplied excuses for me to not do my usual Sunday routine of personal study (the BEST).  This is the time I fill my spiritual reserves & tightened my grip on that rod. What I have discovered is that I was beginning to feel the gap & loss of spirituality in all aspects of my life....a real feeling of disconnect with friends, church & motivation...all tracing back to my choice of putting the "good" ahead of the "best". Even the great joy I found in family history in the beginning had started to change to a feeling of a chore.  It really always amazes me that when we take a few moments in honest reflection everything becomes clear & your path is clearly laid out before me.

I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that teaches me repeatedly  in such tender and subtle ways...that shows me the truth and constantly redirects me onto the path I need to be on to return to Him.  All that is required of me is to just humble myself and slow down.... take the quiet and peaceful moments to learn, listen & heed that still small voice.