Every time I read one of the "Be ye therefore perfect" verses of scripture, I can't help but think of Zeno's paradox. So. First I need to go halfway to perfect. And then from my new position (closer to perfection) I need to go another halfway to perfect, and so on. But there's always another half left, so I will never be perfect. Yet, every January, I set new goals that I hope will get me closer to that perfect state. Sometimes I have to repeat a goal from last year. Actually, I almost always have to repeat my goals. It can be a little disheartening. One that keeps coming back year after year is to control my tongue and my temper. I was so inspired by this talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that, ever since first hearing it, this goal has been on my To-do list. But this year, I really am going to make significant progress.
When I yell at the kids, it sounds completely reasonable and justified because, of course, I would never yell at them if it wasn't absolutely necessary. But, somehow, when Eric yells at the kids, it sounds harsh and out of proportion and practically ridiculous. I mean, come on, a little patience, please. (This is another one of my goals--to not be so critical of others.)
There is a very long-standing debate over Zeno's paradox and whether it actually makes sense and is relevant, so here's my two cents worth on the subject:
Whether or not Zeno was correct in his physics, his argument rings true when applied to our quest to be perfect. We can (and should) keep working toward our goal, little halves at a time, but we will never get there. By ourselves, at least. Only the Lord can make up that final distance and bring us to our goal, when we've done everything we can. And I'm so thankful because I'm NEVER going to meet this tongue & temper goal on my own.
But it's a brand new year, so I'm going to try. Yep--it's a brand new year. But how did we get here? Because first we had to go halfway...
It sounds like we have the same weakness. Every year, I just phrase my same goal differently. Last year, it was "Think before I speak" or something like that. This year, I wrote "Speak to the children with kindness." What is it about children that cause me to lose my cool when I would never treat an adult that way? Maybe it's because, after I have asked them the first 15 times nicely, I get a little testy that 16th time. : ) Thanks for the great post!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm justified in getting a little animated in my speech if I've asked nicely 15 times. It's really only the one where I'm shouting that anyone listens to anyway. I've learned to just quietly attach a consequence to my request and sometimes that speaks louder than yelling. Sometimes. :)
ReplyDeleteI like this post. Very insightful!!
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