Good, Better, Best

My thoughts on Elder Oaks’ talk “Good, Better, Best”

I think this talk will be like Elder Bednar’s talk on taking offense or President Benson’s talk on Pride or President Hinckley’s talk on the Be’s; it will live on long after the words have died out. I know I have used this in my life over and over and over since it was spoken.

I have to continually ask myself, “Is this the best for my family? What could I do to make it the best?” I’m not sure I know the answers to all the questions but I have had to put my food down and say, “No, it isn’t the best; let’s try again.”

Just a few months ago the cub program wanted to change times as it was going to work better for the leaders. Unfortunately it wasn’t best for my family and so we decided to run the cub program at home. I’m so sad too as my son needs the interaction, but it would require too much on my part to make it all work. Unfortunately what was best for my family hurt a child’s heart.

I spent a couple hours visiting a friend while in Utah a few weeks ago and she talked about how she had “circled the wagons” with her family. They have pulled out of many extra activities and she has circled the wagons with her children and family. As my life is falling apart I too, may have to reevaluate what is best for my family. Here are some questions I must ask myself:
Does this really need to happen or is it something I want?
How bad to I want this to happen?
Will this bring my family closer together or pull us further apart?
Does this activity bring happiness to the family as a whole or just to part?
In the long term what will be important?
Is this just something that everyone is doing, or is it truly what is best for my family?