On Priorities

Experience has taught me priorities need focus. I had a recent experience where I wanted to try out for a ballroom dance class at my university. I remember debating it over the course of the last semester with mixed feelings on what I should do. I finally decided to pray about the situation. Initially, I got an answer of “Yes, go ahead.” Later, I felt the impression to “let it go.”* I wrestled with it more during the Christmas break and finally decided to try out and “let the consequence follow”**. I practiced the Saturday I got back from the break and felt fine. The night before the try out, I discussed my thoughts with a friend. After our discussion, I came to the conclusion that not taking the class was better. (My father confirmed this decision when I talked to him the following day.) Over the past two weeks I have found that this decision, although it did not alter my life completely, has allowed me to do many other worthwhile things with my time. Have I given up ballroom dancing completely? Of course not. But my focuses and priorities have been put into things that allow me to expand my other talents and opportunities.

See this page for more information on priorities from Dallin H. Oaks, an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

* I was actually listening to a song entitled “Let it Go” (John Batdorf, “The Other Side of Sorrow”) as this happened. As Master Oogway once said: "There are no accidents."
** "Do What is Right", Hymns #237, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints