Two Principles for Any Economy

My thoughts on President Uchtdorf's talk "Two Principles for Any Economy"

I really love this talk. Lots of truths.

I love how he starts out:

"

Brethren, we do feel very close to you. We love you, and we pray always for you. I have seen enough ups and downs throughout my life to know that winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring. I am optimistic about the future. Brethren, for our part, we must remain steadfast in hope, work with all our strength, and trust in God."

I know I pray for them, but to be reminded that they pray for us takes me think for a moment.

WORK
My kids swear it is the worst of the four letter words out there. We all need to learn how to work, and I think this next generation is not being trained to do hard work. I learned how to work hard as a child and to this day I try very hard to teach my children how to work, but it is very hard. Today's lifestyles especially in our area, screams EASE!

"It wasn’t easy, but the work kept us from dwelling too much on the difficulties of our circumstances. Although our situation didn’t change overnight, it did change. That’s the thing about work. If we simply keep at it—steady and constant—things certainly will improve."

I know when I physically work, I forget a lot about my problems. I also notice that it does me physically and emotionally a great deal of good. I even sometimes get a spiritual lift. Today I spent a few minutes raking in my yard. I sure did feel good. No, my yard isn't the prettiest on the block, but it sure did make me feel better.

"Those who are unafraid to roll up their sleeves and lose themselves in the pursuit of worthwhile goals are a blessing to their families, communities, nations, and to the Church."

We see this all the time. In the last few months we have seen true heroes who risk everything and got dirty to help those in Haiti and Chile. We also see many at home do the same thing. Our scouts are out collecting food, planting trees and doing service. It is truly awe inspiring to see them working.

"Work is an antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life, my dear brethren, let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents."

Amen! No one made their life better by sitting down and doing nothing. The statement "lose yourself in the work" is true. You can lose yourself while putting your shoulder to the wheel.

And of course:
"The righteous work we do within the walls of our homes is most sacred; its benefits are eternal in nature. It cannot be delegated. It is the foundation of our work as priesthood holders."

LEARN:
One of my favorite saying is "Education is not so much the filling of a bucket as the lighting of a fire."
I think as a homeschooler I know that all so well. We cannot make the horse drink, only lead him to water. We cannot force our children to learn, only give them opportunities to do so. Likewise it is our responsibility to learn as well.

I say AMEN to this statement:
"For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment. We are to learn “of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad.”" (I love D&C 88)

"Brethren you have a DUTY to learn as much as you can." Is that strong enough for all of us?
"In our learning, let us not neglect the fountain of revelation."
This reminds me of the scripture to put the Lord first and all will be added.

Let us all put our shoulder to the wheel. There is much to be done in Zion and inside our homes. We must never stop learning--NEVER! or so President Brigham Young once said.