A little while ago I read a book called Horse Sense For People, by Monty Roberts. I was immediately drawn to the book because of the parallels he draws between a non-violent method of breaking-in horses and parenting. I thought the book was interesting, chalk-full of insight, and also amazingly sad. One of my favorite quotes from the book is about goals. Until I read this book, I had never thought about goal-achievement in this way.
"In order to achieve your goals in life, it is critically important to detach yourself from them. It is counterproductive to dwell on the outcome while in the act of pursuing it. If you believe that your direction is right, then working toward it will provide you with a successful outcome, within the appropriate time limits."
--Monty Roberts
Isn't it counterproductive to expect ourselves to be perfect even though that is what we are ultimately striving for? In some ways this seems like a paradox, but it also makes perfect sense.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Christmas message from The Friend
My son and I were reading The Friend together yesterday. One of the articles we read was the Christmas message from the first presidency. It's beautiful because it is clear, true, simple, and powerful.
"Now when Jesus was bor in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 'Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come ot worship him'" (Matthew 2:1-2). The Wise Men followed the light of a star to find and worship the Savior. We worship Him by following the light of His example. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is perfectly obedient, merciful, and kind. He spent His time on earth in service, and He gave His life so we could repent and live eternally. Because He came to earth, we know who we are: beloved children of Heavenly Father. This Christmas, may we sing with joy, pray in gratitude, and carry out kind deeds. As we strive to become more like the Savior, we will have joy and happiness during this wonderful season and peace each day of the year."
President Thomas S. Monson
President Henry B. Eyring
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
During the month of December last year, I tried to be more Christlike in one specific way. I wanted to go the entire month without yelling at my kids. Unfortunately, because of a few different illnesses, we had two trips to the hospital December 2007. It was a stressful and exhausting time for me and I did my fair share of yelling. I was disappointed at how easily I lost control of my personal goal. By overwhelming myself with day to day details, it is so easy for me to lose focus on what is most important. I didn't set myself up for failure this year by making a lofty goal like last year--unfortunately it seems almost impossible to go that long without yelling. However, I would love to feel like I'm trying a little harder to be closer to my Savior this month, and I would love to be able to let go on some of my selfishness.
"Now when Jesus was bor in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 'Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come ot worship him'" (Matthew 2:1-2). The Wise Men followed the light of a star to find and worship the Savior. We worship Him by following the light of His example. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is perfectly obedient, merciful, and kind. He spent His time on earth in service, and He gave His life so we could repent and live eternally. Because He came to earth, we know who we are: beloved children of Heavenly Father. This Christmas, may we sing with joy, pray in gratitude, and carry out kind deeds. As we strive to become more like the Savior, we will have joy and happiness during this wonderful season and peace each day of the year."
President Thomas S. Monson
President Henry B. Eyring
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
During the month of December last year, I tried to be more Christlike in one specific way. I wanted to go the entire month without yelling at my kids. Unfortunately, because of a few different illnesses, we had two trips to the hospital December 2007. It was a stressful and exhausting time for me and I did my fair share of yelling. I was disappointed at how easily I lost control of my personal goal. By overwhelming myself with day to day details, it is so easy for me to lose focus on what is most important. I didn't set myself up for failure this year by making a lofty goal like last year--unfortunately it seems almost impossible to go that long without yelling. However, I would love to feel like I'm trying a little harder to be closer to my Savior this month, and I would love to be able to let go on some of my selfishness.
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