How we preserve time for family is one of the most significant issues we face in most cultures. At a time when I was the only member of the Church in our law firm, one woman lawyer explained to me how she always felt like a juggler trying to keep three balls in the air at the same time. One ball was her law practice, one was her marriage, and one was her children. She had almost given up on time for herself. She was greatly concerned that one of the balls was always on the ground. I suggested we meet as a group and discuss our priorities. We determined that the primary reason we were working was to support our families. We agreed that making more money wasn’t nearly as important as our families, but we recognized that serving our clients to the best of our abilities was essential. The discussion then moved to what we did at work that was not necessary and was inconsistent with leaving time for family. Was there pressure to spend time in the workplace that was not essential?¹⁷ We decided that our goal would be a family-friendly environment for both women and men. Let us be at the forefront in protecting time for family."  -Elder Cook

 

I was in charge of teaching this particular section to my fellow sisters and realized that I am too a juggler like Elder Cooks co-worker. But, I have mastered this art, so this is no concern of mine to change my ways right?

 

Wrong-o! while I am juggling all my "important"things, some of my balls are laying on the ground un-touched. Such as my spiritual well being, I pray when I'm suppose to pray (On the rare occasion I cook dinner, I read my scriptures when I need to teach a lesson, and I go to the temple when I'm invited to a sealing. I realized my spiritual balls are no being juggled with the rest of them.

 

I have made a decided to replace some of the non important ball (cleaning the floors twice a day, recovering every piece of furniture in my house, and re-organizing every cabinet and drawer daily-I may be a little OCD )with the really important ones.

 

Now this wont be easy because habits are hard to break and start. But I know if I add one ball at a time, I will be back to being the master juggler of the year.