A call to be more consistent

As a parent it is so easy to be tired and not want to be consistent.  That is one of the most important lessons I learned this week.  We have to be consistent.  Even though our kids might fight it at first, they actually really depend on consistency.  It is so important to keep your routines. We always read to our kids before bed.  My son can be totally asleep, carried in from a long night at Grandma's.  As soon as he is laid down he wakes up and requests a story.  The nights we don't do stories are tuff.  As we read this week, it might just be simpler to read the story, he would be off to bed sooner.  I have a tendency to start something and then fizzle out.  My goal is to work really hard at being consistent, no matter how tired I am.  I really the talk from Elder Bednar in his October 2009 conference address entitled, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home."  One of my favorite quotes from that talk says:  "Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes."  More Diligent and Concerned at Home  My kids need me to be consistent.  I am going to work very hard at being more diligent and concerned at home.