Our duty to God....be there, don't be square

'leading by example'

'this takes DAILY determination and diligence.'

i think something that really stood out the most to me was the emphasis on the physicality part of what relationships. the idea that it takes more then love in your heart, on your own time. but REALLY giving of yourself. your time. your effort:

'walking along side them'

'we must plan and take advantage of teaching moments'

'regular, warm, caring interaction'

'pay attention'

'listen'

'use the time'

'connecting'

'participate fully'

'tell them that you love them, and that god loves them'

'they must DO'

most of all, the question ----"Are you in there?"

it made me really want to strive to be totally in conversations and interactions i am having. i once read a talk, that i wish i could remember the name of. but the idea was to 'be there'. there was a rundown of things. something to the effect of "when you are in class, be there. when you are in sacrament, be there. when you are with your friends, be there. when you are called in heaven, be there." okay it was a lot more eloquent, but thats the gist. i think about that often. it's a horrible way to live your life dwelling on being somewhere else. being in a class, worrying about a project at work. hanging out with your friends, while really being distracted texting someone else. being at church, and trying to rush and make up your lesson for the next meeting.

but the idea is that each part of our life deserves its own attention, and at the appropriate time. really talk to someone, and freely. prepare for the sabbath before hand so the morning can run smoothly and focused on the Savior. get things in order and 'be there'. ESPECIALLY for your family.

don't be discouraged, no matter the situations you face.

"do all things that lie in our power" and remember "there is no failure except in giving up."