When I was young, the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" as once described in a song, were enjoyed and very much appreciated after a year of hard work at school. As the summer came to an end however, I was excited and anxious to get back into a routine. I knew my life would soon return to order. I enjoyed getting my notebook for the new school year and all the accessories needed to help me be an effective student. My dividers were assigned according to class periods with subjects neatly written in the tabs. A few new items of clothing were purchased as needed and afforded in a household of five girls. I would diligently clean and organize my bedroom and make goals for the new school year. The day before school resumed, my friends and I made sure that we hit the beach one last time to add a fresh layer to our summer tan. In the day when slacks and shirts, dresses and skirts were still being worn to school, what to wear the first day was always of utmost importance so that we looked our very best.
As I now ponder this time of year and what it was about this experience that was so appealing to me, I can recall a principle that my father would speak of often in his charming broken English. He would often instruct his daughters on the importance of having a "system" in our home. The Greek word σύστημα (sýsti̱ma) can be defined as a condition of harmonious, orderly interaction. An organized and coordinated method; a procedure." Some synonyms for system include: organization, structure, method and order. His counsel had an impression on me even as a young child. As I have come to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it resonates within me even more.
Pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, the Lord begins by instructing the saints in the Doctrine and Covenants 132:3 to "Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which I am about to give unto you; for all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same." As a youth, I quickly learned by the consequences of my older sisters' actions, the importance of obeying the instruction of my father, much as the Lord has instructed us here, as a prerequisite to understanding the counsel that followed, and its importance.
He goes on to explain in verse 8, “Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion." A principle echoed by my own father which I believe helped prepared me to accept the gospel.
In section 88:119, we read: "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God." Verse 124 provides important principles to assist us in our efforts to carry out His counsel: "Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated." All excellent tools, gifts if you will, to help assist us while here upon this earth.
We currently find ourselves in a world where there is much turmoil and many individuals and families are facing great challenges in many areas of their lives. If you are like me, and I suppose this says something about my age, you can see that this is like no other time in our lives, or even in the history of our world. I often feel badly for our youth who perhaps have known no other way. This all feels like the norm to them.
The great blessings from technology and modern conveniences, also bring challenges of their own. Our life seems to be so fast paced that we may at times feel that we are spiraling out of control and want to figuratively get off this merry-go-round. We are going in so many directions. More and more women seem to find it necessary to work outside the home. Rearing a family in such an environment is often hectic and disorderly with everyone going in so many different directions, and times spent together are few and far between. There are so many more opportunities and activities available to our children than there were when I was growing up. How does a mother or father manage getting their children to soccer, dance, or whatever their chosen interest is, if more than one has to be in a different location at the same time? Often we can only survive by depending on others to assist through carpooling. The modern woman/man may believe that they are or at least need to be super human, but the reality is that it will eventually take a toll on our body, mind, and even our very soul. Soon we may find ourselves helpless as on a vessel in stormy seas, without a rudder.
How grateful I am for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how everlasting the principles are if we but obey and apply them in our daily lives. As the Lord has mentioned, His house is not a house of confusion (nor chaos, I might add), but a house of order. That is the model we should hold up in our own lives and own families, whatever our individual situation is. We can better serve our families if we incorporate structure into our busy lives. In addition, an organized home and family also help to promote peace and love. Where there is no order, there is stress. Where there is stress, relationships are strained and even parenting becomes more difficult as we lose sight of the importance of coming from a place of love instead of fear and anger.
Another point that needs clarification is to understand the Lord's meaning when he says, "Cease to be idle." Oh, we are by no means an idle generation as stated above. What we are busy doing is what we need to ponder. Are those tasks benefiting the structure and order in our lives or drawing us further away from what needs to be done and those who need our love and support. While we all need a break from the drudgery of our daily routines, are we using that personal time wisely and in the most beneficial means for not only ourselves, but for our family as well and for the building of the Kingdom? Ask yourself if your actions are such that your mind and body are invigorated on a daily basis.
As the summer comes to an end and we have hopefully enjoyed bonding time with our friends and families, created memories, and found ways to rejuvenate our bodies and spirits, may we take the time to heed the Lord's counsel by putting our lives and families in order by organizing ourselves and preparing for every needful thing as it applies to us in our individual lives. This is my prayer.
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