A recent post written by my friend has got me thinking. She tells of how, in her exuberant youth, there was so much she knew that now, with a few more years and experiences, she often wonders about. I’ve been thinking about what I know. And, the old adage, “the more you learn, the less you know” has come back into my mind time and time again. Like everyone (at least, I hope most people are like this), life seemed a lot more black and white in my youth. I knew so much more, simply because I knew less of what there is to know. Every time I read a book or take a class, my mind is open to the vast amounts of knowledge there is out there, and I’m aware of how little of it I actually possess. For instance, I was a much better mother before I became a mother. At least, theoretically. I hope that, in reality, the time spent in the trenches, doing the day-to-day and learning bit by bit has made me more competent. But, it has also made me more aware of all I lack and where my shortfalls are.
I think my testimony is the same way. In theory, it would seem that my belief was bigger and stronger when I was younger, but that is really because it was simpler. As a stalwart, seminary-council-member youth I knew the truth of many principles, but there were so many more that had yet to try my faith. And, as time has passed and growth and change has happened, it may seem that I know less and have to "just believe" more. But, I think in reality, I just know how much more complicated life is and the many more ways in which decisions and consequences change my perspective.
In General Conference, Elder Neil Andersen gave a talk about knowing enough. He said, "Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision." I know I don’t know everything. But, I know enough to choose faith. I know enough to want to make good choices; to want to be a kind neighbor and a true friend; to want to teach my children about their Savior; to trust in God when things in my life seem out of my control; to pray often; to lean on the scriptures and the words of the prophet. I know enough.
And, sometimes, that small bit is all it takes to keep moving forward.
12 comments:
Beautifully written. Sometimes I am overwelmed by the things in life that I feel that I don't know and can't do. It is so good to be reminded that having pure and simple faith in our Heavenly Father and his Son is all we really NEED to know. When we put all of our trust in them, life, even in it's most difficult times, can be happy and fulfilling.
Thanks, Ade. I really struggle with faith and I love reading how you feel about it.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
oh adri, you are such a great writer. you've written several paragraphs and yet you make it seem like a beautiful poem. one day i'll be perusing a book store and find an adri, i just know it.
Great post Ade. I love the line "I was a much better mother before I became a mother". That is so true for me. I think I am the poster child for "the more you learn, the less you know". It is almost embarassing.
I also read that post and it also got me thinking. I appreciated her piece because it affirmed something important. I too CHOOSE FAITH. I know that most of the time I am inadequate, but thank heavens for examples to look to. Thanks for being an example.
Thanks Adri! I really needed to hear that!
Life is complicated, but happiness is simple. Looks like you're mastering the latter! I love you, Auntie Linda
It seems at times that life doesn't exactly turn out as you expect it to. (At least it hasn't for me) All of my visions of the perfect life as a "grown-up" didn't turned out as planned.
They have actually turned out better! I guess the perfect life I had mapped out for myself, wasn't the best path for me. I am so glad that that I am not the one in charge.
The experiences that have "tried my faith" have made me a better person. I am embarrassed to say it, but I don't know that I truly became closer to our Father in Heaven until I lost a parent. How I wish it hadn't taken something like that to rely on Him. That is how we learn I suppose. I just hope I become all that I am to be!
Amen. This is so beautiful Adri. And I concur with Amy that I wish it didn't take suffering for me to learn. But, more than anything (suffering and all), I'm grateful for where I am now. Right this moment. And that attitude takes some of the fear out of the 'what if' and a lot of the regret from the 'should have done.'
I love that post! It is so true. It is so much easier when things are black and white, but that is not the case very often! I definitely agree that sometimes we have to "choose" faith, because there are so many questions that will remain unanswered until we get that personal meeting with our Heavenly Father one day. Thanks Adri!
I saw a sign that said "life is hard, pray always" That's how I keep my faith - sometimes I feel like I'm praying all day long just to get me through. Your post is so spot-on. Just choose to have faith. It's working for me - the nitty gritty doesn't really matter. Just trust and have faith and do whats right.
Adri, I love how you look at life, love and faith. Thanks for sharing. xoxoxoxo
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