SFL Journal #2

To read all posts from my class, click here. 

Today we talked about the Divine Role of Families and because we are at a university sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that conversation turned briefly to "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". 

Check out this graphic for an idea of what the proclamation talks about. 

If you read this you can easily point out 5 main principles found in the first paragraph or two. 

1. God - There is a God and we have a Heavenly Family
2. Marriage and Family
3. Children
4. Gender & Roles
5. Successful Families

With a question regarding any of those, you can turn to the proclamation, a divinely inspired document for help, strength, and guidance. 

Following the discussion on that list, my professor talked about the 5 key parts of the 2014 world view. 

1. If God is real, he is outside the family. 
2. Family of choice, not family of origin.
3. Kids are optional. 
4. Any gender or role you want is acceptable. 
5. I do what I want. 

After looking at those two lists, I know for sure which one I want to be a focus in my home. For me, the world view places more emphasis on the individual and what they want than the family and what is best for them. 

Everyone wants happiness but I believe that some don't know what will bring them true happiness. It's easy and logical to think that focusing on oneself can bring the most happiness but when we focus on our family or on God, we begin to understand others and ourselves more. 

A Chinese proverb states: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

When we learn to focus on others, we can find true, lasting happiness.