“5: Use Time Wisely,” My Foundation for Self-Reliance (2016)
“5: Use Time Wisely,” My Foundation
5:
Use Time Wisely
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Report:Briefly share with the group a blessing you received last week because you were obedient.
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Ponder:Why is time one of God’s greatest gifts?
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Watch:“The Gift of Time,” available at srs.lds.org/videos. (No video? Read page 15.)
2:3The Gift of Time
The Gift of Time
If you are unable to watch the video, choose roles and read this script.
Kofi: Hello, Sister Benkosi. How are you?
Sister Benkosi: Are you okay, Kofi?
Kofi: Oh, Sister Benkosi. I’m so busy. I have to work and serve and help my family … and then my football too. I have no time!
Sister B.: Kofi, you have all the time there is.
Kofi: What?
Sister B.: My boy, God has given us a great gift—our time. We must do with it what matters most.
Kofi: But how, Sister Benkosi? You have always done so much. You have succeeded with your family, with your business. You have served and blessed many, like me. I don’t know how you do it.
Sister B.: Do you really want to know? If you will sit still and listen, I will tell you my secret.
Every morning I rise before the sun. I dress and wash my face and hands.
I read the scriptures. Then I make a list of what I should do that day.
I think of who I might serve. I pray to know God’s will. And I listen.
Sometimes the names or faces of people come to mind. I add them to my list.
Kofi: Is that how you always know just who needs your service?
Sister B.: Yes, Kofi. And I pray for strength and wisdom. I pray that God will “consecrate [my] performance.” It says that in 2 Nephi 32.
I thank Him. I promise to do my best. I ask that He will do what I cannot.
Then I look at my list. I put a 1 by the most important thing, then a 2.
Kofi: How do you know the priorities?
Sister B.: I listen when I pray! Then I go to work. I look at number 1 and try to do it first, then number 2.
Sometimes things change. The Holy Ghost tells me to do something else. That is good.
I work very hard, but I have peace. I know God will help me.
So, with my list and the Spirit, I do what matters, Kofi.
Kofi: That sounds simple and hard at the same time.
Sister B.: You are right! When I finally prepare for bed, I pray. I report to Heavenly Father. I tell Him how the day went. I ask questions. I ask what I can do better. I listen. I often feel His love. I know He magnifies what I try to do. Then I have peace, Kofi, and I sleep.
Kofi: That is good, Mamma Benkosi. I want this peace. I want to use my time. I want to work and serve better.
Back to page 14.
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Discuss:What did you learn from Sister Benkosi?
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Read:Alma 34:32 and the quote by President Brigham Young (on the right)
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Commit:Commit to do the following actions during the week. Check the box when you complete each action:
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Practice these steps every day to use your time more wisely. Report each night to Heavenly Father in your prayers.
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Share what you’ve learned today about using time wisely with your family or friends.
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