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A good family friend who is a RS Pres. shared the following with my wife recently. While it’s not an original analogy, I thought everyone here might appreciate it: Quote:A friend in our ward talked to our bishop about a problem. He told her that her problem is that she’s focusing too much on the peas. She has a wide variety of food available, but she’s only putting peas on her plate.
It doesn’t matter how much you like peas; if that’s all you’re eating, you’re going to get sick of peas!He told her to broaden her palate and try some chicken and some pasta and some fruit, and then the peas will be in their proper perspective again. I would add only that there’s nothing wrong with peas, in and of themselves. It’s just that when they become an obsession that overshadows all the other food available . . .
It’s like Elder Wirthlin’s wonderful orchestra analogy:
If all we hear is those incessant piccolos, we miss the beauty of the full orchestra – and, sometimes, fail even to realize that there are lots of other instruments in the orchestra around us. Those of us who don’t play the piccolo need to listen carefully for others who also don’t play the piccolo – while continuing to appreciate what the piccolos contribute.
I would add that it’s MUCH easier to appreciate the orchestra and the other instruments (not just hear the piccolos) when I am playing my own instrument and contributing my own harmony to the overall music being played.
I like that, thanks! The problem is if there are some really bizarre things offered at the banquet. If you don’t like anchovies, if ‘raw fish’ is a health concern, if egg plant was never a favorite, one must keep in mind the dangers of completely filling your plate. It becomes such a burden to work through, to execute in the proper way, to swallow. Your free time is used up. To walk down a path unexplored, to smell the roses, to pursue an interest you’ve had all your life, how amazing! I’m especially concerned about retirees (being one myself). To accept multiple church callings can pull you away from your grandkids. I find it sad. I currently volunteer for two community based organizations. Recently I was recruited to accept two ‘full day assignments’ from the church (FH center & DI). I chose to keep just my community callings. They have brought new friendships and vistas into my life. My take (if you love life), is to not waste time, as that is what life is made up of. I find myself busier than when I worked fifty hours a week. It’s all wonderful. Just my thoughts on filling one’s plate. Keeping busy, I completely agree with, but a balance rather than a one sided avalanche. Have I understood what this thread is about? Forgive if I’ve done the boomerang thing… George, I agree totally that each of has to find the balance that works best for us in ALL areas of our lives. Your example is perfect. This analogy works inside the Church, outside the Church and in balancing both of those in your life.
Thanks Ray, I totally accepted your original posting. I look at the banquet table occasionally (tying our discussion back to the HOW TO STAY LDS thesis) and consider adding something to my plate. On rare occasions, I might take something off my plate as well (if it no longer works). As President Kimball once said, “Life is grand when we make the right choices (paraphased).”
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