I used to carry a lot of guilt for not writing in my journal regularly.
It seemed like this was a big focus when I was a teen— to write in a journal.
And so I’d write what happened each day for a couple days in a row, and then I’d forget for a few days and try to catch up…
And then it would be months until I had another church lesson about writing in a journal and I’d start the process all over again.
Somewhere along the way, I’ve gradually started to “spiritually mature” when it comes to what I believe I need to be writing down.
And I was excited when I saw that the Lord said something similar about John Whitmer, too:
“He shall continue in writing and making a history of all the IMPORTANT THINGS which he shall observe and know concerning my church”. (D&C 69:3)
The idea that my great-great-great grandchild is someday going to want to know what I ate for breakfast on Wednesday doesn’t really appeal to me.
(Although, if you love writing all the details of your life, go for it!)
Maybe someday, someone will read what I write, but I’m not necessarily doing it for them.
Instead, I’ve been motivated by two ideas:
I am writing down IMPORTANT THINGS due to the value of writing things down. (Idea formation/memory/pondering)
And
I am writing things down in ways that seem natural and simple to me.
In my life, this looks like:
A note in my phone where I write down one or two words for what I’m thankful for that day.
A physical journal where I write down my emotions and impressions after General Conference.
A google doc where I quickly jot down funny stories from my kids that I want to remember.
Social media posts where I document important life events.
The margins of my scriptures where I write down spiritual impressions and ponder.
And so on.
When I’ve found my own unique ways to follow the counsel to write important things down, I feel blessed.
I’m able to slow down, process, and see the joy in my life as the Spirit brings certain, important things to my mind.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
