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| Mommy, Forget-Me-Not |
"Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth."
Although Elder Ucktdorf's examples were blatantly obvious, the choice between good and foolish sacrifice isn't always easy to discern. We all want to be the good little girl that gets a pat on the head for her good work. But what is good work?
"Every person and situation is different, and a good sacrifice in one instance might be a foolish sacrifice in another."
Elder Ucktdorf tells us to think. That is sometimes not easy, when we are ill or overextended. Pray for discernment and think about what matters most. "Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective. Sometimes, that may even mean nurturing small but beautiful forget-me-not flowers instead of a large garden of exotic blooms."
His advice is pertinent to so many who spend their days multitasking to do the work of many but don't take care of the little things that matter so much more. Children are in our homes for such a short time. Young parents need our help. Spouses need to know they aren't invisible. Neighbors should become our friends. Scriptures wait to be studied. Testimonies need nurturing. Perhaps one less side dish, one less chore, one less power lunch, or one less client meeting, or one less TV show would allow for the important to take precedent. You never know when something or someone you love may disappear from your life on earth.
