Now, the more idle part of the Lamanites lived in the wilderness, and dwelt in tents; (Alma 22:28)

In my reading this morning, I noticed that the word idle is used in the context of building a home. Often in the scriptures, the people who choose not to build homes are labeled idle. In 1 Timothy people who wander about are idle (1Timothy 5:13). In Exodus, the word idle is used in the context of bricks and building (Ex. 5:17). It is a commandment to work and I think I often dismiss that as something I do all the time. However, in the context of building a home it has new meaning to me.

We are in the process of building a new home, of putting in order a new space for us to inhabit. The power of that order is made all the more pressing because things are so chaotic right now. But as I work, putting things away, making spaces for things, I realize how much that can invite the Spirit. My family needs that work to be grounded and focused on spiritual things. I think that is why we have been blessed with a new home at this time in our lives. We need to have a different space, one to invite the Spirit more fully into our lives and to give us access to revelation in a new way. I want us to grow closer as a family as the children grow older and I feel that the Lord has blessed us so richly with this new home so that we might enjoy a new dynamic in our family. I have learned so much about not being idle, not wasting my time with the television or video games or other mindless pursuits, this year. I have worked hard and feel that sense of accomplishment that comes from exertion. I hope my children will learn this value and I can see them develop into young adults who are "anxiously engaged in a good cause" (D&C 58:27).