“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundation under them.” Henry David Thoreau
For years we have been admonished by our church leaders to participate in the blessings associated with engaging in temple and family history work. In the April 2020 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson made the following promise:
“I promise that as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him.”
For years the Spirit testified to me of the importance of engaging in family history, but there always seemed to be so many other things that seemed more urgent and important. Though I started many times, I was continually distracted, much like Farmer Jones, as recorded in his journal:
“Decided to cut the hay. Started to harness the horses, and found out that a harness was broken; took it to the granary to repair it, and noticed some empty sacks; the sacks were a reminder that some potatoes in the cellar need the sprouts removed; went to the cellar to do the job, and noticed the room needed sweeping; went to the house to get a broom and noticed the wood box was empty; went to the woodpile, and noticed some ailing chickens. They were sad looking—poor things; decided to get some medicine for them. Out of medicine, so jumped in the car and headed for the drugstore. On the way, ran out of gas!”
It has been said that success is the progressive realization of worthwhile goals. Whether we call them goals, resolutions or to do lists, they help us stay focused, give us something to strive for, and help us measure our progress.
I am often asked by individuals, families or church leaders for suggestions for goals to encourage activity in family history. Let me share a few that have been successful for others:
- Complete your family tree to point you can connect to trees other what others have completed.
- Write your own personal history.
- Record your thoughts, feelings, experiences and lessons learned regarding living through the pandemic.
- Write a personal history of a parent or grandparent.
- Learn how to index and set a goal for a certain number of names you will index per week.
- Commit to spending _____ [minutes] [hours] per week to doing family history.
- Upload pictures, stories and articles on ____ people on your family tree.
- Find _____ ancestors to take to the temple.
- Research and read about one ancestor per [week] [month].
- Share a story about an ancestor with other family members each [week] [month].
- Help someone get signed on to FamilySearch and build their tree.
- Find _____ new sources and add them to your family tree.
- Watch a family history class on line from granitefhc.com .
- Complete _____ goals from The Family History Guide each [week] [month].
- Digitize and organize family pictures/slides/movies.
- Record a memory on FamilySearch about each of your children, parents, grandparents, etc.
- Add a portrait of yourself or other family members to your family tree each [week] [month].
Remember a goal without accountability is like a relationship without commitment. Be sure to build the foundation under your castles in the air. Establish plans to meet your goals and schedule time on your calendar. For some, finding another person who is working toward a similar goal helps, especially when you hold each other accountable.
Be careful in setting your goals to insure that they are not overwhelming or unreasonable. Large deviations from the daily routine cause stress, which ultimately reduces the likelihood of success. Instead, start small and build on it.
2020 may have left us discouraged because of what we couldn’t do. But family history can be done notwithstanding the pandemic. Time and time again I have seen the blessings that come to those who have responded to the invitation to engage in family history. It is not just another thing to do. It is an opportunity to feel the Spirit of Elijah, be guided in the work of salvation, and fulfill our mission in preparing for the Second Coming of the Savior. Best wishes to you this year as you build the foundation for castles in the air. –Dave Castleton- Director, Granite Family History Center