Hi friends. Today’s post is going to be slightly different from my norm. I’ve been thinking a lot about perfection, and I wanted to take this time to share my thoughts. I’d really love to hear what you think.
So I have this kind of weird trait that I love to set goals. For example, the other day I announced that I set a goal to watch every classic Disney in Spanish. Why didn’t I just express my desire to do that? I don’t know. I’ve had a weird thing with goals since my mission. #chapter8
Anyway, I’ve been super goal-oriented ever since the mission, and one of my goals was to go to the temple every week. I did that every single week without fail… until two weeks ago when the Provo temple was closed and I had Girls Camp. I didn’t make it to the temple, and I felt awful! I considered my worthiness to take the sacrament, and I just felt like a terrible person.
And then I realized that weekly temple attendance isn’t actually a commandment.
My primary class has a goal to read the Book of Mormon every day, and they’re doing awesome. But one boy has missed just a few times, and it really stresses him out. Today I shared my story of missing a week of the temple, and then I shared this scripture that has recently brought me a lot of comfort:
But now I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of unbelief; for verily some of you are guilty before me, but I will be merciful unto your weakness. Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours. (D&C 38:14-15)
To me, those verses are saying I know you’ve made mistakes, but don’t be afraid. Just keep doing your best.
I talked to my class about how messing up doesn’t make Heavenly Father mad. The only thing that makes Him mad is when we’re ungrateful. He expects us to mess up, and that’s why He gave us His son Jesus Christ. Like we learned in last Conference, in the Gospel, we get credit for trying!
What a relief, right? I sure do mess up every day. Sometimes I get really overwhelmed with all my weaknesses, like being bossy or competitive or overly goal-oriented. But as long as we’re trying our best, we’re on track. I know the Lord has our backs. That’s what the Atonement is for!
I love that, Lind!! Wow, thank you for sharing that awesome scripture and your experience. I know that it’s satan who wants us to think we have to give up and we’re terrible anytime we slip up at all. Keep up your great goals! You’re an inspiration, especially when you don’t keep your goal sometimes and you keep trying.