School takes a lot of work. It takes a lot of time, too. If you want to do well, it can take even more. It can take as much time and energy as you want to give it.
Senior project. This one counts as part of school, but it stresses me out enough to be in a category all on its own.
Work is fun because it’s not school. You get to rub shoulders with different people and contribute to something that’s not going to be graded. I find my job very satisfying. I spend around 20 hours per week there.
Church service extends beyond school and work. Whether it’s interpreting, attending church meetings, visiting people in the ward, or fulfilling my calling, there is always something to be done.
Sometimes it feels like this is all too much to do. Sometimes it’s overwhelming. I just missed a week of school because of the flu. Now I’m staring at a mountain of make-up work in addition to current assignments.
Sigh.
Diligence has got to be one of the toughest principles out there. One of my favorite descriptions of it says, “Continue until you have done all you can, even when you are tired. Focus on the most important things and avoid wasting time” (Preach My Gospel, 121). Diligence = hard. Work even when you are tired and avoid wasting time.
Diligence is like the perfect principle. It’s not just work—it’s smart work. And painstaking work.
So, I’d best avoid wasting time and get back to that mountain of make-up work. Wish me luck.