I tried today

 

This day definitely did not go like I planned.

I tried to be totally patient with my kids today.
I failed...

I tried to eat completely nutritious food all day.
I failed...

I tried to be on time to every appointment today.
I really failed at that one!


A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to hear T.C. Christensen (a cinematographer/film producer/director extraordinaire) speak. He talked about a film he created called "Ephraim's Rescue," about an inspired man whose efforts saved hundreds of handcart pioneers on the trail. During one point in the movie (based on true events), a woman asks Ephraim if he is a Holy man. He responds by telling her that he has too many faults to count. She then asks, "Then how can you do so much good?" He answers, "I try."

T.C. went on to explain that in all of his research he found that Ephraim was not, in fact, perfect. He did have many faults, but he helped many wonderful things happen because he tried.



Today was not a perfect day. Not by any stretch of the imagination. I could spend several hours describing all of the mistakes I made today, and there are probably many more I didn't even know I made, and more yet to be made... but I tried.

I was fortunate to find a few quiet moments of reflection today. Becoming distracted by the faults, errors, and to-do list of the day was all too easy, but I tried to bring my thoughts to a higher place. As I did, I found peace. Peace in knowing that my Heavenly Father knows my efforts, that He knows my heart, and that He loves me. Peace in knowing that even though I fail more than I would like, my Father sent His Son and He will never fail me. I can't imagine what life would be like without the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They say the path to hell is paved by good intentions. If that is true, I hope the path to Heaven is paved by sincere efforts. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who blesses me for my efforts... not just for the outcomes that I so often hope for and never seem to reach. It gives me hope, and gives me the courage to keep trying!

I will end with this beautiful quote...

Deficits: too many to count- and that's okay
Deposits: Keep trying!!!

Balance: Richly Blessed!