Life is busy and complicated. Most of us have more to do each day than we can get done, and we also have a long list of fun things we want to do as well. Some people work diligently through their to-do lists; others dawdle and play. Both groups can seem or even be very busy, and yet not be doing what God has asked us to do. In addition, we may find that however busy we are, we can’t get it all done. Does God have an answer for that problem?
He does. The Book of Mormon offers us a clue as to how to organize our schedules each day:
Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness. 2 Nephi 9:51
The scriptures don’t offer a step-by-step to-do list, but following the advice given in this scripture, you can see just how to organize your time. The first step is to figure out what is of worth and satisfying, since we’re being taught not to waste time on those things. The scripture says to feast on things which won’t perish and won’t be corrupted—meaning those things of eternal value.
Does this mean you should read scriptures and pray all day, to the exclusion of all else? Of course not. God expects us to earn a living, for instance, and He expects us to earn it honestly and by working hard. How much time are you required to put into your job, however? Do you notice that others are successful even though they spend fewer hours on the job than you do? Are you doing more than is necessary?
If you work at home, how often do you need to pull out the sofa to clean? Are you balancing the housework with the other aspects of your life? Children can’t be put on hold until you’re less busy. They need your time right now.
Make a list of what you consider to be of greatest worth—family, religion, friends, whatever is on your list. Note what you do in each category and figure out if your priorities are lining up with your actions.
When you make your daily to-do list, evaluate it against your priority list. Are you giving the most time to those things that are of worth from God’s perspective? Are you balancing your day so that you don’t have to neglect anything of importance to God? Are there long hours in your day which are of no value.
When in doubt, picture yourself standing before God and explaining how you spent your day. If you’re pleased with what you have to say, it’s likely you’re on the right track. This means that if you tell God, in your morning prayers, what you plan to do that day, and if you report back to Him at the end of the day, you’ll be likely to make wise, eternal choices.
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
