Priorities - Getting Things Done

It is frustrating to have so many things to do and yet to accomplish so little in a day. This happens to me on a frequent basis. However, it occurred to me this morning that if we do in a day what Heavenly Father expects of us--that is a good day, no matter how many other things are left undone. It brings to mind a quote attributed to Elder Russell M. Nelson, "When priorities are in place, one can more patiently tolerate unfinished business" (www.azquotes.com/quote/917355).

Given this insight, the key obligation is for us to have our priorities in place. That was the case for Jacob, brother of Nephi. “I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord” (Jacob 1:17). We would avoid much frustration if on a daily basis we would obtain our errand from the Lord for the day. Then we needn’t be frustrated by the things we couldn’t do.

How do we obtain our errand from the Lord? I certainly don’t have all the answers. I have been struggling with this battle for a long time. However, here are a couple of thoughts to consider in determining how to do so.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “Some uses of individual and family time are better, and others are best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families” (“Good, Better, Best,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 104–8, emphasis added).

How do we obtain our errand from the Lord? President Henry B. Eyring gave this suggestion: "A morning prayer and an early search in the scriptures to know what we should do for the Lord can set the course of a day" (Facebook post of January 13, 2015).

I have a long list of things I need and want to do. Each day it is a struggle to select from the to-do list the things that are most important. I’m going to apply the counsel of President Eyring and of Elder Oaks to see how much better I can do at focusing on the things the Lord would have me do--the best things--and spending less time feeling badly about the good things that I can’t get done.