Recently Doug and I were celebrating the upcoming 250th Anniversary of our country by exploring the exhibits of the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.  It was thrilling to learn about and be reminded of the historic significance of this crucial time in our nation's history!   After our tour of the museum, we took a detour through the gift shop where I spied a t-shirt that featured this simple yet profound quote from patriot John Adams: "TO BE GOOD AND TO DO GOOD IS ALL WE HAVE TO DO."  The words struck me to the core! The simple truth from John Adams can center us and bring focus to our lives.

I thought of simple truths that have brought focus to the life of my family as shown by my Grandmother Richards.  She lived a very quiet, seemingly unimportant life in Ogden, Utah, yet she changed the world for my family.  My father, a teenager at the time, when asked by his bishop if he had considered going on a mission casually replied, "Not really....I don't think a mission is for me" and left the bishop's office.  When he went home, my grandma asked what the bishop had to say.  My dad repeated his response to the Bishop's inquiry about serving a mission, and in my sweet grandmother's characteristically quiet way, simply said, "Why don't you pray about it?"  My dad paid attention, did pray in all sincerity, and received an answer to go and serve.  He followed that answer to prayer; his mission changed the course of his entire life!  My grandmother's simple reminder of prayer brought focus to my father's young life that has affected generations of his family and the lives of people around the world as he served missions, first as a young missionary in Texas, then later with my mother in South Africa, East Malaysia, Pakistan, and  Vanuatu. 

When life gets hectic, sticky, and complicated, we can seek the simple, profound truths of the gospel that bring focus to our lives.  Here are just a few:  Be of good cheer.  Love one another.  Come, follow me.  Let your light so shine.  Come unto me with full purpose of heart.  Blessed are the meek.  We talk of Christ.  No man can serve 2 masters.  Behold, my Beloved Son.  Pray always and be believing.  Perfect love casteth out all fear.  Here am I, send Me.  

May the simple, profound truths of the gospel bring peace and focus to our souls as we strive to center our lives in the Savior.

Lisa Monson - Ward Relief Society