For the past few months, my inner producer has been on overdrive. Many things I’ve been dealing with are out of my control—some are necessary, and others are optional. But all are good things. And I want to do each one.
But I found myself feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and burned out.
And so, I went to my temple shift last week with a prayer that I would receive strength, guidance, and peace in all of my efforts.
However, I received an unexpected answer in an unexpected way.
I had just finished helping a sister when a sweet temple trainer who had been observing me smiled and whispered, “Slow down. Otherwise, you’re doing great.”
Though her words were about my busyness in the temple, I had the clear confirmation that these two words—slow down—were counsel from my Heavenly Father.
I sat in a quiet space in the temple to continue this conversation He had started. And as I did, He helped me realize four comforting, related truths.
1. Our Hearts Are Bigger than Our Schedules
It’s often hard to say no to things when my heart is always saying yes. Maybe you’ve felt the same way.
But Heavenly Father reminded me that I’m not alone in this struggle. In fact, I’ve learned that Elder Neal A. Maxwell hung one of my favorite quotes on his office wall: “My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds” (Anne Marrow Lindbergh).
The reality that even Elder Maxwell needed a reminder of this aching truth gives me some comfort. So how can I direct my efforts to focus on what’s most important?
This brings me to the second truth Heavenly Father reminded me of.
2. Capability Is Not the Same as Capacity
Last year, I met with two ministering sisters for our quarterly ministering interview. At the close, one of the sisters offered a prayer in which she prayed that I would know where I was not needed.
That was a new concept for me. I mean, if I am capable, then why not? If I see a need or want to help, then isn’t that a good thing?
As I pondered this in the days after her prayer, I realized that just because I could do it doesn’t mean I should.
Obviously, this was a concept I had lost sight of recently. And just because different tasks demand my attention doesn’t mean they all hold the same weight—which leads to the third reminder.
3. Quality Is More Important than Quantity
Satan wants us to be busy. So busy that our stress levels, expectations, anxiety, and guilt are in full gear.
In fact, keeping us busy is one of Satan’s favorite ways to keep us from God. As Sheri Dew pointed out:
“Lucifer would have us so busy … that there’s no time to actually live the gospel. No time to fast and pray, to immerse ourselves in the scriptures, to worship in the temple. … He wants us to be a little more concerned with the world than with the gospel, a little more interested in life today than in life forever.”
I realized that even though I was doing a lot of good things, my attention and anxiety were centered on doing them all and doing them well.
I needed to slow down. But how? Thankfully, the Spirit guided me to ponder a final truth.
4. God Will Help Us
This isn’t a groundbreaking principle, but it definitely was a soul-strengthening one—one I leaned heavily into as I looked at everything I had on my plate.
I looked at each one, I took it to Him, and I asked if He needed me there. As I sought His guidance, I was surprised at the answers I received.
Some things must stay, and He would give me the strength and direction I need. Other things—even really good things—needed to go. These were difficult choices, some of which didn’t make sense at the time.
But what I’m coming to understand now is just how wise God is. And just how much I need to slow down.
In the slowness, I’m finding Him more. Not because He wasn’t there, but because I am not running past Him anymore.
In the slowness, I’m finding myself more.
In the slowness, I’m finding room for the places I didn’t realize I’m needed—and giving space for others to find a chance to be needed there.
Maybe you’re juggling many things too, with callings, kids, work, hobbies, ministering, recreation, opportunities, and more. You have good intentions. You’re capable. And maybe you’re doing just fine.
But no matter your circumstances, I hope these four truths remind you of the divine importance of slowing down. As you partner with God in examining your priorities, you can trust that He will be there to help you figure out what stays, what goes, and what comes next.
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