Why do I do what I do when I know what I know?

So, a story of my sweet daughter. Well, first a little background. For those of you that don't know, Russ is coaching football at the high school this year. This week they started some late practices so Russ doesn't get home until the kids are in bed. For all you moms out there, maybe some can relate to me that bedtime isn't the most pleasant when your husband isn't home to help. It makes for some bad mommy moments for me for sure. Well, we've really been struggling with our family scripture study when bedtimes are just crazy. So, last night I was at my end and hurrying my kids along to have family prayer and happy thoughts so I could rush them off to bed. Well, my sweet girl said "Mom, we forgot to read scriptures." In the chaos of the moment and the boys wrestling and the baby crying I just said "No. No scriptures tonight. Just get to bed." Then she said, "But PLEASE Mom, we need to read scriptures!" What could I say to that? So, we read scriptures for a few minutes and they went to bed. The kids were happier and more obedient last night and I was more patient with them and all was well.

So, it got me thinking about the simple things in the gospel that make us happy and that we know will bring happiness. Prayer, scripture, temple, family home evening, etc. Why does it seem hard sometimes to do those simple things when we KNOW that our lives will be better and we'll receive blessings and happiness? I couldn't believe I was telling my daughter we weren't going to have scripture study because I was tired and grumpy, when I knew that we would all be happier if we did. The gospel is so simple. It was a good moment to remember that obedience to the little things brings the spirit and blessings into my life. How grateful I am that I have good kids to help remind me and keep me focused. And, when we put these simple things first, everything else in our lives balances out so we feel like we have time to do all that we need to do and we're happier in the meantime.

"When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities. We should put God ahead of everyone else in our lives." Ezra Taft Benson