All of you know that there seem to be fewer hours in the day than ever before. There are just too many things vying for our time. To paraphrase President Hinckley, the problem is not so much that we need to choose between good and evil, but that we have to choose between good and good. Where does the priority lie?

A new Relief Society president is grappling with this problem in her ward, and she needs your help. Here's what she had to say:

As a relatively new Relief Society president, I am noticing that when the sisters are asked to give service, several help, but it is the same sisters over and over. The others seem to be too “busy” with various family activities.

I'm not bemoaning the family activities, but does there ever come a point when service to others outside the family realm should be considered? Sometimes I've heard that families come first, which is fine, but should family always come first? Is the service we give to our family the only service we should give?

If everyone has the attitude that service to family takes precedence over other forms of service, who is helping the poor, the sick, and the lonely? What are we teaching our children? Where's the happy medium (if there is such a thing)? Or is this all a happy excuse to stay in our comfort zone?

Is there ever a point where a person can say, “Um, you need to not do so much with your family so you can reach out to others and get your visiting teaching done.” Or, “Where in the Bible does it say your children's sports events comes before attending the temple? Do you remember what the first two great commandments are?” I mean, how can it be bad to have our kids in every sport and lesson and activity we can so they can nurture their talents and abilities?

I seriously sometimes think that Satan has known that if we are so busy with our family activities and sports, and putting our family first all the time, that we would be too busy to do the Lord's work. But then again, raising righteous children who have to be busy every minute of the day is a good thing, right? It keeps them out of trouble.

By the way, I really enjoy Circle of Sisters. Even on topics I don't have a vested interest in, I find that I can learn something. And I realize that most Sunday faces have hidden trials that they can't really share with anyone. Circle gives them an outlet and a way to let them know they are not alone.

“Trying to find a Happy Medium (and I don't mean those who give cheerful palm readings!)”

There you have it, readers. How can families find a balance between their own activities and service? Should some extracurricular activities be curtailed so there is time left for service to others? How can parents make service a family affair?

Enquiring minds — and beleaguered Relief Society presidents — want to know!

Please help “Happy Medium” and countless others by sending your ideas to to circleofsisters@meridianmagazine.com . Put something in the subject line that will let me know your letter isn't spam.  And when you write, be sure to include your full name, city and state or province. (If you'd rather be semi-anonymous, sign your name as “A Reader from Michigan” or “Sandy from Timbuktu.” The important thing is that we hear from you.)

Until next week — Kathy

Be alert to give service.
What counts a great deal in life is what we do for others.

Anonymous