On Giving and Getting

Here's the devotional for this week:  http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=4e1d023382b9b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
This is an incredible article, summizing life really.  I am using this tonight for the YW, trying to teach them to focus, to not look beyond the mark.  But htis applies to me too!  And too my kids. 
****It is difficult to sit in the sun on a street corner when all the world is bent on seeking shade. But as with many other things, it is where you sit that counts—or where you stand—or what you stand for. And with some things there is nothing more important to do than to pay the price; even though it entails inconvenience or sacrifice.
Everything worthwhile comes at a price.  I've always wanted to udnerstand the words of Isaiah and thought it would just "come to me" as my testimony grew stronger.  I was wrong.  We were commanded by Christ to search the words of Isiah for our profit and understanding, to lift our hearts because he wrote of these last days.  It has taken me immense study to begin to understand Isaiah.  Therefore, I appreciate the knowledge that I am gaining more, the wisdom and my testimony has grown.  I tried to explain a concept to another sister the other day.  Because she had not studied, she did not understand no matter the tactics, analogy, definitions I used.  We have to pay the price to grow. 
Just like King David who refused a free offering, "Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing."
Why was David concerned about personally paying for the offering the prophet commanded him to make? Was it because he knew there is always a cost when real sacrifice is made?  Only after that real sacrifice can we grow in understanding, wisdom and knowledge.

I loved this part:  After Adam’s transgression, the Lord told him that the ground would be cursed for his sake (Moses 4:23). It is interesting to me that one definition of the word sake is benefit. Thus, cursed was to be the ground for Adam’s benefit. And by the sweat of his brow was he to earn his bread (Moses 4:25). Work, then, was not to be a curse, and earning things was to be a benefit.
We are here on earth to work, to excercise that agency.  Are we going to squander it in front of the tv each night?  or am I going to get a few minutes extra sleep?  or should I prepare and wake up early to give my kids their daily devotional, to help them put on their armor of God?  The choice is obvious when I look at it like this!  Now, I just need to remember it.  And when I teach my kids, remember what Elder Ballard said, "Let me know when you find the answer."  Let them figure it out.  They need to work for the answers too, so they will understand and grow.  I so want to give them the answers, just like I'm sure our Father in Heaven wants to give us.  But he didn't and I can't.  Children wouldn't have to work that way.  Work and sacrifice is required to grow. 
I need to remember that myself, especially now when I am feeling overwhelmed, more overwhelmed than I've been in my entire life.  I'm not sure how I will accomplish all that I need too.  Sometimes, I just want to curl up into a ball, or spend all day in bed reading (with chocolate of course, something I have never done but I'll keep dreaming)...  Remember, work is for our benefit. 
Have a great week working ladies!  And may God bless your efforts!