Having a Balanced Life

One of the main themes in this week’s lesson is the struggle of finding a balance between work and family life. Two main ideas stood out to me while completing the assignments for this week. The first is that there will be different phases during our life in which we are really busy and it will be harder to find a good balance between work and family. These times usually occur during the early phase of our careers when we have to “pay our dues” and put in a lot of time and effort for the future. These phases can also happen, however, during the peak of our careers. During these phases, it is important to find simple ways in which you can spend time with your spouse and family. This can be a short daily walk around the block, or making sure to eat breakfast together every day. Putting in some effort to find a little bit of time to share together is really important.

The second main idea that stood out to me is the idea of having to prioritize what’s most important, and then being willing to sacrifice other things to have what you value most. One of the videos we were asked to watch this week was of an interview given by Randy Komisar. In the interview, Randy talked about how he had to make a trade off between power and money, to receive better balance in his life. We all need to identify what we value most, and then be willing to give up those things that stand in the way of what we really value.

Attitude On Money Responses

1. What is your attitude towards money?

I have a similar attitude toward money as Stephen Gibson. I view it as a means to give my family a comfortable life and as a way to help those around me. I don’t view it as something evil, but as something that can be a blessing in my life and in the lives of others.

2. How can your view of money affect the way you live?

I think that if individuals view money as the way for them to obtain all the material possessions that they desire, then they will constantly be trying to make more and more money to satisfy their need to buy things. They will become consumed with the desire to make money. However, if individuals view money as a way to provide for their needs and as a way to provide for the needs of others, I think that they will live their life in such a way that they are looking outward rather than inward.

3. What rules are recommended for prospering?

The following are 6 rules recommended for prospering:

1. Seek the Lord and have hope in Him.
2. Keep the commandments, that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings.
3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant.
4. Take advantage of changes for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters.
5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated.
6. Don't send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.