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

The post Guilt about journaling…  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.