Clear the space

"Partner with the Lord to decide what your priorities should be.  Then clear the space you need to put those priorities first and bring balance to your life."

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This year I made living my best life my only goal for the year.  When you think about it, that could easily break down into many smaller goals.  I haven’t gone too far down that rabbit hole, though, because I think part of living your best life is just keeping things simple.

I think another part of living your best life is making sure you put first things first.  How can you live your best life if you aren’t giving attention to what matters most?  My thoughts lately have dwelt on this particular aspect, mostly because I’ve been working so much.  I understand my reasons, but I also understand those reasons don’t justify the lack of attention to things that matter most.

One of my priorities should be family history.  I know I need to do more to hasten this work, but that won’t happen if I don’t dedicate the time for it and then stick to that plan.  I have the plan, but it’s the sticking part that gives me trouble.

Fortunately, repentance is part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for us.  And this week provides the perfect opportunity to get on the right track.  RootsTech is here again.

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Make the time

Every February the world’s largest family history conference convenes in Salt Lake.  I spoke about RootsTech last year.  Actually, I think I talked about RootsTech the year before that as well.  I’ve looked forward to RootsTech in years past for the time with my father.

This year neither one of us are in Salt Lake, but we can still spend time together around RootsTech.  Selected sessions at the conference are streamed live over the Internet.  Just go to the RootsTech home page to watch those sessions live.  There’s also a live streaming schedule if you want to know in advance what sessions will be broadcast.

And if you miss a session you want to see, don’t worry.  Recordings of the sessions will be available for a limited time afterwards on the RootsTech website.  I appreciate that because one of the live streaming sessions that interests me will start while I’m teaching class.

I did make arrangements to cover my other teaching responsibilities so I could have the time to spend with my dad.  And I’ve been looking forward to it.  I do want to spend time with my dad, yes.  I do want to get more involved in family history work, yes.  I do want to put more first things first, yes.  But honestly, there’s one reason why I’ve been looking forward to this that I feel more than spending time with my father.  I’m not exactly proud to admit it, but it’s true all the same.

I need a break from the busyness of my work to get back on track with my priorities and restore a sense of balance to my life.

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Make the opportunity

I didn’t wait for the opportunity to be handed to me.  I believe in owning my life, so I made my own opportunity.  RootsTech happening at the same time just makes it more convenient.

The time I spend with my father will be a highlight for me.  But so will Family Discovery Day, a special part of RootsTech which the Church organizes to engage more Latter-day Saints in family history work.

I remember the last time I attended RootsTech in Salt Lake.  The surge of attendance because of Family Discovery Day was huge.  I didn’t attend any of the events connected with it because there were other sessions that piqued my interest more.  But the huge turnout for Family Discovery Day did get me curious.

I’m not in Salt Lake this year.  But I still plan on participating in Family Discovery Day.  And this year the event will begin with a very special treat.  President Russell M. Nelson and his wife Wendy will be the keynote speakers.

Just like RootsTech, Family Discovery Day will be streamed live across the Internet.  You can find it on the Church website starting Saturday at 1 PM MST.  And sessions will be recorded and posted for later access if you can’t make it.

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Make the priority

I’ve been looking forward to this week.  I need to regain my balance, and I know I’ll enjoy the time with my father.  But I also know I need to be more involved in family history work than I have been.  RootsTech and Family Discovery Day provide excellent pathways for repentance.

Your best life includes balanced attention to priorities and everyday responsibilities.  Partner with the Lord to decide what your priorities should be.  Then clear the space you need to put those priorities first and bring balance to your life.  When you do, you’ll have more joy in your journey.

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