'To every thing there is a season...'

'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:'
Ecclesiastes 3:1

How many times have I heard this and not really understood it? This past Sunday this seemed to be the message I was meant to receive. A lot was also said about a talk by Pres. Dieter F. Uchdorf during the October general conference. He spoke a lot about slowing down in life and focusing on the important things. "The search for the best things inevitably leads to the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ--" How true this is. Among everything that is expected of us the things that matter most are those of eternal significance.
It seems I'm always in a state of choices. I'm starting to think this will never end. That life will always been filled with them. Sigh. :) I so badly want to do all the things that are important to me. I find that there is really not enough time in the day. When I pause and reflect on where the choices in my life have brought me, I'm truly happy. But it's interesting to see how things change. To look back on the years and see what at the time was important, and what 'season' you were in and what you needed to accomplish. Because we really can't be focused on everything and do it well. Well at least I can't.
I recognize now that there are things and opportunities placed before us depending on the 'season' of our life and it's up to us to take advantage of it. This is how I feel about this graduate degree I'm working towards. I've never thought of myself as very academic but I'm determined to do well and I'm glad that I have this time to focus on my degree and give it my all.
Pres. Uchtdorf goes on and says of keeping the basics of the gospel in our lives 'These simple, basic principles are the key to living in harmony with God and man. They are the keys to opening the windows of heaven. They lead us to the peace, joy, and understand that Heavenly Father has promised to His children who hear and obey Him." I know this to be true. As we put our Father first and do the basics we will be open to his guidance and we can know for ourselves what 'season' we are in and what His will is for us. It's truly amazing and something I'm sure I'll need reminding of at times. :)