"To be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well."

This week’s topic was work-life balance. We read some “what would you” scenarios and we were asked to share the number one thing we took from them. The first thing that came to my mind after reading them was the importance of finding a balance between work and family. I firmly believe in putting your family and God first because they are the people we have for eternity. If we sever those ties, we won’t have lasting relationships with those we love and we may never be able to mend them. It is important that we make a living in order to support our family and it is equally as important to follow our dreams and passions, but at what cost? I know for me personally, I would do anything for my family. I strive to find a balance in taking care of myself and my needs and making sure they are all happy as well. Sometimes that means sacrificing something I want.

It is inevitable that we will run into situations where the decision isn’t clear cut—work obligation or family obligation? Our duty is to set boundaries and know what is truly most important to us in order to make a decision when the time comes. If we make a plan ahead of time, and never stray, our decision should be an easy one. Put your family first if at all possible and let them know how important they are with both your actions and your words.

I really liked how the videos we were assigned to watch tied into the topic this week. One entrepreneur (Corey Bell) talked a lot about how important his family is to him and how they motivated him in his business. He was so humble. Another man (Randy Komisar) spoke about needing to give up some things, such as money or power, in order to achieve and benefit from others, such as time. Obviously, if your goal is to be in a high-power position, you ought to know and plan for having little time at home. If you’re okay with that, or if you are amazing at balancing and using your time wisely, that may work for you. Last, but certainly not least, a few quotes from Thomas S. Monson:

“I would like to suggest that if we are really to be a chosen generation, we have the responsibility to be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well.”

“May I share with you a formula that in my judgment will help you and help me to journey well through mortality and to that great reward of exaltation in the celestial kingdom of our Heavenly Father…First, fill your mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love.”

I love learning from our latter day prophets. They speak from the spirit, from experience, from sincere heart and it often feels like they’re speaking directly to me. We should prepare in all areas of our life, be faithful to ourselves, our families, and our Heavenly Father, and “be fruitful as well”.

What is your attitude toward money?

I see money as a necessary tool in life that we need to learn to manage and use wisely. I like learning about money, budgeting, saving, etc. because I have many goals in life. Most of my goals are modest and don’t include excessive monetary items. I want to live comfortably without much worry about paying our bills, I want to have a home filled with the spirit and I want my children to be able to serve missions, be involved in activities that strengthen their talents, and I want to be able to afford things that provide opportunities for family time and service to others.

How can your view of money affect the way you live?

The way we view money can definitely affect the way we live. If we see it as a tool that aids us in our fundamental needs and some modest wants in life, then we will likely be grateful for what we have. If we are obsessive and worldly, money may just be a way to show that we hold power and are above others. Hopefully we can all find a middle ground or err on the side of modesty.

What rules are recommended for prospering?

The article we read, Attitude on Money by Stephen W. Gibson, lists many “rules” for prospering. I will list them and then note my thoughts:

“Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him
Rule 2. Keep the commandments, that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings.
 Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant.
Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters. Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, is the Key to Opportunity.
Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated.
Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.”

The one thing in common with all of these is that they focus on our faith. If we trust in the Lord and keep our eyes, minds, and hearts set on Him, we will prosper in more ways than one. Money is important, yes, and with the help of our Heavenly Father we can use it wisely to help our families and serve many others.