It was one of those moments. I'm sitting there listening to the class being presented when my mind is flooded with word phrases and ideas that seem too profound to just ignore. I grabbed my portable device and started my finger sliding over the touchscreen keyboard.
Yes, I was probably inspired from the previous class that was on the atonement, and so it may have been the trigger that got my brain working. But this is what I came up with:
1. Access the Atonement
2. Gratitude for the Vision
3. Meet the Minimum
ACCESS THE ATONEMENT
All around us, people are building their own Tower of Babels. Attempting to gain access to something that has only one possible entrance. Whether it is climbing the ladder of success, setting goals with frequent course corrections, positive mental attitude, working harder or smarter, requesting from the 'universe', or any number of other partial power sources that beat around the bush without hitting the target head on.
However, the atonement of Christ has genuine power - healing power, purifying power, saving power, redeeming power. But the power that gets most overlooked is the enabling power. Why would anyone attempt to be successful without accessing the power which increases their capacities.
And all that is required to access this pure genuine power is to sacrifice our selfish pride. Recognizing that we are not enough alone and laying our burden at His feet. Repenting of the sins we've committed or the good works we've omitted. Humbly seeking his aid and then submitting to his will, especially if it is contrary to our own. Receiving His word through pondering, reflecting, and personalizing His teachings in our lives.
Granted, it is not an easy step, but who ever claimed victory to be an easy process.
GRATITUDE FOR THE VISION
Vision indicating our vision manifested as well as the vision we hope to create.
Our life's circumstances are the consequences of past choices or . . . opportunities for growth. What we are experiencing right now is either God's manifestation of respect for our agency (even if it was a poor choice on our part) or a manifestation of His trust in our ability to grow beyond our current status. Keeping that perspective helps me to be grateful for where I am, even when where I am is sometimes unpleasant.
Being grateful for what will come into our life is an expression of faith that God honors our heart's desire and . . . if it is right for us, will provide for our needs. Sometimes in unexpected or miraculous ways, but I trust that he loves me enough to create the circumstances that are in my best interest.
MEET THE MINIMUM
There is too much to do in a single day. There is too many good things to successfully prioritize based on that merit alone. So when I say meet the minimum, take it with tongue and cheek because it is the goal, not the mandate. It is the 1% principle. It is the consistency effort of small and simple things. It is the default when life allows these items to be attended to between crisis or unrelenting schedules.
Since there is too much to do, especially with children, I like to pray that the most important items will get the proper amount of attention. That may change from day to day. One day, relationships may need to be strengthened as a high priority. Another, it might be more important to put my home, my health, or my finances in order.
These seven areas are my personal pursuits that require my time and attention in order to maintain as well as progress. They are:
1- Physical Activity
This could be anything from working up a sweat or getting my own drink of water rather than being lazy and asking someone else to do it.
2- Home Stewardship
Daily maintaining is essential for my mental health, plus meals and laundry never cease
3- Study
Come face to face with greatness, practice pondering, listening to audiobooks while busy
4- LOVE
Strengthening relationships by loving God, spouse, children, friends.
5- Manage the Money
Know where my money is, where it is going, and what I want it to do for me.
6- Be a Force for Good
This phrase resonates so strong with me that I know this is a deep inner desire. As long as I keep the desire before me, I hope that I will be able to influence someone in a positive manner.
7- Mission Momentums
Momentums are the baby steps that get the ball rolling. Once in motion, it tends to stay in motion, so I want to regularly do the babystep momentums that that will help me fulfill my life's mission.
There it is. My Victory Formula. Even if it doesn't produce the goals or material success that I perceive as necessary in my life, I know I will experience inner peace by focusing on these three things. And inner peace is truly a Victory.
