work and study

Lady Reading in a Cottage Garden GALLOP, Herbert R
I'd sure like a hat like that. Of course she finished her domestic chores first.

This morning as part of my devotions, I studied this article. I'm so grateful for God's wisdom and inspiration given through wise men and women.

I used to think that when Adam was told,“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,” that work was a punishment. But God gave man work to make him happy, to bless him.
"Work is an antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility...let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents." Dieter Uchtdorf

I have to agree. A few, short-lived times in my life I've given the life of leisure a try. Depression, dullness, and boredom were my rewards. As I gave up my throne in my ivory tower, rolled up my sleeves, and went to work, joy and increased energy were my rewards. I work hard, because it makes me feel good. I once read of a grandmother who said, I feel tired at the end of the day, whether I work or not. But working makes me happier. I serve others, because I'm commanded to do so. But I've learned that this is another one of those commandments that the Lord gives us to make us happy. Hmmm....the older I get the more I realize that all the commandments fit into this category. God wrote the book to make us happy.
“It is not enough to want to make the effort and to say we’ll make the effort. … It’s in the doing, not just the thinking, that we accomplish our goals. If we constantly put our goals off, we will never see them fulfilled.” Thomas S. Monson Right now my goals are connected with serving my family and friends and learning “of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad.” As time goes by, this may change, as it has before.

But I'm careful to evaluate each new direction with this advice. “do not spend … your labor for that which cannot satisfy.” And balance new goals with these words. "The righteous work we do within the walls of our homes is most sacred; its benefits are eternal in nature. It cannot be delegated. It is the foundation of our work...Let us not devote our God-given talents and energies solely to setting earthly anchors, but rather let us spend our days growing spiritual wings." Dieter Uchtdorf

These ideas have taught me that my place right now in this earthly life is within the walls of my home, serving my family first and my community next. Although I would like to spend a great deal of time in this new phase of my life attending classes at university, that time of my life is passed. So I've found other ways to accomplish my goals at home. "If formal education is not available, do not allow that to prevent you from acquiring all the knowledge you can. Under such circumstances, the best books, in a sense, can become your “university”—a classroom that is always open and admits all who apply. Strive to increase your knowledge of all that is 'virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.' Seek knowledge 'by study and also by faith.' Seek with a humble spirit and contrite heart. As you apply the spiritual dimension of faith to your study—even of temporal things—you can amplify your intellectual capacity, for “if your eye be single to [God’s] glory, your whole [body] shall be filled with light, … and [comprehend] all things." Deiter Uchtdorf

Maybe I'll make it to medical school, maybe not. However, I will work hard to gain all the knowledge that God allows in my areas of interest and wherever I feel inspired to turn. Maybe He'll allow me to gain a spiritual view of history and the human body and growing things and literature and grammar and languages, as I strive to expand my intellectual capacity for His glory.