My Foundation: Live a Balanced Life—Maximum Time: 20 Minutes

Ponder:

How do I keep the daily demands of life in balance?

Watch:

“Of Regrets and Resolutions,” available at https://churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/self-reliance-videos [1:25]. (No video? Read the transcript for “Of Regrets and Resolutions.”)

Of Regrets and Resolutions

If you are unable to watch the video, read this script.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.

Is it?

I think of our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, and His short life among the people of Galilee and Jerusalem. I have tried to imagine Him bustling between meetings or multitasking to get a list of urgent things accomplished.

I can’t see it.

Instead I see the compassionate and caring Son of God purposefully living each day. When He interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinite value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed them. He gave them the precious gift of His time.

(“Of Regrets and Resolutions,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 22)

Discuss:

What can we learn from the Savior’s life to help us achieve a balanced life?

Read:

The following scripture passages and statements by Church leaders:

“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” (Mosiah 4:27).

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:10).

“Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain” (M. Russell Ballard, “Keeping Your Life in Balance,” Liahona, Sept. 2012, 50).

“Balance in large measure is knowing the things that can be changed, putting them in proper perspective, and recognizing the things that will not change” (James E. Faust, “The Need for Balance in Our Lives,” Ensign, Mar. 2000, 5).

Discuss:

What things can be simplified or eliminated from our lives so we can experience more joy?

Activity

Step 1: Read the quote by President Dallin H. Oaks: “The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives” (“Good, Better, Best,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 104).

Step 2: On your own, think about how you live your life each week. Now imagine you are 25 years older and you are still living the same way. Complete the two statements below about your life:

I just didn’t spend enough time

I spent too much time

Step 3: To avoid future regrets, write one or two things you can do to bring more balance into your life.

Commit:

I will act on my idea to bring more balance to my life.