Sunday, September 05, 2010

Sunday thoughts

We went to a fireside tonight about the new Fulfilling My Duty to God program. I have to say, it was very inspiring.

The program has changed from more of a checklist-type experience to a learning and growing, testimony-building, life-changing experience.

The parents need to be really engaged with their sons, and I can see how working on these goals and plans together could change this relationship for the better – broaden it, solidify it.

I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed by my life right now (just got called to be the YW secretary today, in addition to my new RS activities calling and depression seems to be nipping at my heels), so a little part of me wanted to say I couldn't add this to my list of responsibilities. But a much bigger part of me is saying that I absolutely need to do this, that this could be turning point. A lioness at the gate would do this to prepare her sons for missions, for life.

At the very end of the program, our bishop spoke for a few minutes. I love our bishop. He talked about two Norway spruce trees that his parents planted on their property around the time of his birth. They have grown to be 60-70 feet tall, and his parents wondered if they were a danger to the house. They called a tree specialist out to take a look. The arborist looked at the ground around the trees. He said, "You've used flood irrigation on these trees, haven't you?" The parents confirmed that they use flood irrigation, or in other words, they flood the yard once a week or so. The specialist told them that because they use that method of watering, the roots have to go deep to find the water and that those trees are completely stable, with no need to worry about their ever falling over.

He encouraged us to fully embrace the new Duty to God program, that it is a way of providing flood irrigation of a spiritual nature to our sons. What mother wouldn't want that?

Come to think of it, I could use a little flood irrigation myself.

6 comments:

Charlotte said...

I like that imagery of flood irrigation--what a great approach to parenting.

I wish you didn't feel so overwhelmed. And I wish I could bring you some pumpkin bread or something. That always helps me :) Love you!

Marie said...

I'm sure you'll do a great job with both callings!

Susan said...

I wish I had been better at flood irrigating...

I love your thoughts and I wonder how I ever got such a daughter as you. You are such an inspiration to me. Thanks for the thoughts. I really needed this tonight.

Our Ward had the same presentation, and I felt the same way about the involvment from the parents of the youth. I think it will be a wonderful deslight for you to be back with the YW again, and if it proves to be too much to do both, there are plenty of others who can do the RS job.

My yard definitely needs some flood irrigating. Yes, and me too.

Jill said...

Oh wow, back into Young Women! That will be a switch again, but will probably help you with The Duty to God responsibilities. You're better at all of this than you think you are!

jenn said...

I thought you just got a partner for Primary to make that manageable and now she is left alone and you are in YW AND RS?!! Crazy.

Any time I think about being a good mother- it is overwhelming.

Rebekah said...

So, no more Primary?! I guess your prayer was answered! Ha, ha!

I loved Personal Progress. I griped about it all the time, and the 'Do _____ for two weeks,' 'Do ______ for a month,' projects were frustrating in the length of time they took, but I loved the idea of having an actual guide to what I was supposed to me doing at that time in my life. Where's my guide now?! :)

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