I didn't do a word of the year last year. Or the year before that. In fact, I haven't been very successful with the whole "word of the year" idea. That doesn't mean, however, that I'm not willing to try again.
I came across this quote from Spencer W. Kimball while preparing for the lesson I'm teaching tomorrow. The lesson is about the Thirteenth Article of Faith, and tomorrow, when I use the quote, it will be used in that context, but I've been thinking about it all day and I thought, "That's the word I need."
You see, I am full of "know." Not that I know all things. I don't even know a few things. But, I'm pretty content in "knowing." Then, I read this:
The song, “I Am A Child of God” was first performed at a stake Primary conference in 1957. After hearing the performance, Elder Spencer W. Kimball asked the Primary general board, of which Randall (the composer) was a part, if the phrase "Teach me all that I must know / To live with him someday" could be changed to "Teach me all that I must do / To live with him someday." As Kimball later explained, "To know isn't enough. The devils know and tremble; the devils know everything. We have to DO something."
The principle has applications at every level of my life.
I know that I shouldn't look at my phone while I drive but knowing doesn't keep me safe like turning my phone off does.
I know that I should eat a carrot instead of a cookie, but unless I actually eat that carrot, that knowledge gains me nothing.
I know that family scripture study and family prayer are tools that will make my family stronger, but until I consistently gather my family together to do these things, we miss out on that blessing.
If you asked, I could probably tell you how to stay organized (OHIO), how to be consistent with a workout (do it in the morning) and how to strengthen my testimony (regular temple attendance) but I don't DO any of them. Right this moment, I feel a bit like trembling!
This is why I must change my "Know" to a "Do" And this is the year to do it.
4 comments:
Oh ho. I remember when President Kimball changed the wording. Upset my singing equilibrium, it did. But it is true and I was glad to oblige as much as eight-year olds oblige.
That is a GREAT word! I love it! Can't wait to see all the things you do this year.
I totally get this...I feel like I need to be a DOer this year too.
By the way, can you teach me how to stay organized? What is OHIO?
Great word, and great lesson in YW! :) I too find that I am better at talking the talk when I know I need to walk the walk! Here's to more 'do'ing in 2011 ( imagine my toasting you with slushy pink lemonade!! :)
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