With the care free slow paced life of a cow there is something that we all can learn from this. Yes it is important to work hard and take care of our responsibilities in life, but sometimes it is necessary to stop and smell the roses. Forget about the worries of life and what is going on around you and take a few deep breaths. As I have been out in the world a lot more over the past few years, I Have seen a lot of things that trouble me. The biggest one is in families and individuals everyday lives. It is sad to see when a spouse gets caught up too much in their personal life that they do not have time for those around them, especially not their families. They neglect family time, they spend more time at work and not enough time at home, they pursue personal goals that does not help their family at all, and because of it families draw further apart. Although the cows are often slow they bring great value to the world. So how do we become like the cows and be of use, but still slow down and enjoy life? My Favorite suggestion that leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have given us is hold Family Home Evenings. Family Home Evening is a time where we as families can spent time together to learn more about each others likes and dislikes and grow in the gospel. Here are a few things church leaders have said about the importance of family home evening.
"After twenty years, family home evening continues to help families withstand the storms of life."(Giles H. Florence, Jr.)
"Spending consistent time together is an important part of family home evening. When this becomes a priority, families can be strengthened, individuals helped, and testimonies shared."(October 2005 Ensign)
Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 tells us that “there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” including “a time to laugh.”
“Young people want and deserve parents and a family they can be proud of... No matter how busy we are, we should take time as a family to relax and have fun together. Our homes should be full of laughter and happiness.
"Even work can be enjoyable if approached in the right way. For example, in families with small children, work such as planting a garden, cleaning the house, or washing the dishes can be approached as a game. This will keep enthusiasm and interest high. Such an approach can help us lead our families toward happy lives that are balanced between work, rest, and play."(Home and Family Relations)
I know that good quality family time can bring families closer together and strengthen them against the things of this world. Most of my greatest joys in life come from the times that I have spent with my family building my relationship with them. I know that as you do the same and spend more time with your family, you will truly remember what joy families are in your life and how much more important they are to you than all other things.
