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As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have an innate desire
to be better.
This desire to do and be more sometimes creates within us
what Elder Neal A. Maxwell called divine discontent,
a result of comparing what we are to what we have the power
to become.
While speaking of divine discontent,
Sister Michelle D. Craig said, "Each of us
feels a gap between where and who we are and where
and who we want to become."
This gap is sometimes wide and often overwhelming.
We think the only way to accomplish our goal
is to give every ounce of energy we've got, but it doesn't work.
The only way we can successfully bridge
the gap between where we are and where we want to be
is by understanding this one principle,
"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass."
For example, a typical plant needs an immense amount
of water over its life to survive.
But it does no good giving them all that water at once.
Elder David A. Bednar taught we can
learn much about the spiritual pattern
of small and simple things from the technique of dripping water
onto the soil at very low rates.
He explained, "The steady drips of water
sink deep into the ground and provide a high moisture
level in the soil wherein plants can flourish."
We must follow the same pattern in order
to close the gap of divine discontent.
Instead of trying to reach your goal all at once
in a burst of energy or a flood of water,
break your goals down into small and simple steps that
remain consistent over time.
As an example, imagine you want to serve a senior mission.
Once you know what your goal is, break it
down into small and simple steps.
Maybe it's learning to invest money wisely, brush up
on Spanish, or create a mission savings account.
Now, instead of working on these goals all at once,
select only one.
Yes, I said only one.
Remember how the Lord works?
Line upon line, precept upon precept.
Let's say the first step is to brush up on Spanish.
Now, break down the chosen skill or behavior
into a couple of habits that can be performed daily or weekly.
This could be reviewing five words a day
or read a chapter of the Book of Mormon in Spanish every day.
Now, just choose one habit.
Let's choose review five words a day.
Simplify the goal even further by answering three questions,
what, when, and where.
What?
Review five words a day.
When?
While doing the dinner dishes.
Where?
In the kitchen.
Now, you have a small and simple habit to work on.
Review five Spanish words each day
while doing the dinner dishes in the kitchen.
This habit will help you move closer
toward your goal of serving a senior mission.
Once it becomes part of your daily or weekly routine,
begin working on the next habit.
Begin to read a chapter of the Book of Mormon
in Spanish every day.
Then, move to the next habit and the next and the next,
until the day comes when you close the gap
and reach your destination.
David A. Bednar encourages us to press forward and persevere
in the powerful, spiritual pattern
of small and simple things, bringing
to pass great things in our individual lives,
in our families, and in our righteous pursuits.