Yesterday I was outside doing some chores, and it seemed really quiet. I realized that I was alone. I went back into the house to find the four male FOMLs lounging around, either playing video games or watching. I was irritated. While my reaction didn’t quite meet D&C 121 standards, I didn’t get really angry, but I did get after them.
I explained that there was lots to do, and we all needed to work to get it done. They began talking about how unfairly the work was divvied up, or what was done last Saturday, etc.
Finally I just said, “Look, the goal in life is not to figure out how little you can do”. They all looked at me with the same blank stare as the dog. Except my eldest son, who was rightly indignant.
As we all returned to work, and I returned to my chores, I kept thinking about that idea. How often do I do just the absolute minimum to get something done, or to be able to say that I did it? On the other side, how often do I go the ‘extra mile’ in trying to do something with a sense of excellence?
Then the phrase that we’ve all heard a million times popped into my head. You’ve heard it, usually when someone has done something for you.
“Thank you so much!”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s the least I could do.”
What a dumb phrase. The least I could do? Adding to the phrase in instructive:
It’s the least I can do – and still report my VT for the month.
It’s the least I can do – and not feel guilty.
It’s the least I can do – and still spend my time doing what I’d rather be doing.
It’s the least I can do – and still be considered your friend.
It’s the least I can do – and count it as a HT visit.
It’s the least I can do – to prepare a lesson and still use the time in Primary class.
You get the idea. That phrase runs counter to the idea of excellence. Aren’t we supposed to be about excellence? Isn’t the goal to go the extra mile?
Sometimes the quest for excellence seems like a ridiculous pipe-dream because sometimes we are just trying to get by. Survival is the goal. Excellence? Ain’t gonna happen. However, often this is a self-imposed conflict we create by spending our time trying to do too many things, or doing the wrong things. Even with regular counsel from our leaders about the need to simplify our lives, or focus on the best things, we still find ourselves in over our heads.
You know you are in trouble when you hear yourself saying things like this:
• I’ve been so busy this week that I haven’t had time to prepare my lesson – I’ll just have to wing it. (It’s the least I could do!)
• I can’t accept a calling right now because all my kids are in sports, and it takes up all my time.
• Is it okay if we just count this phone call as a home teaching visit this month?
• Kids, since we didn’t read the scriptures this morning, we’re going to read a chapter for FHE and call it good.
• It’s the last day of the month – could I swing by with a plate of cookies?
• Bishop, I need to be released. (link here)
As I said to my sons, the goal in life is not to see how little we can do. The Lord expects much more out of us than that. Don’t believe me? Take a few minutes and read your Patriarchal Blessing, then tell me the Lord doesn’t expect great things at your hand. Where much is given – much is required
Often when I write a post I find that one of our leaders has already said it better. President Hinckley talked about this idea in his talk “The Quest For Excellence” back in 1999. Here is a passage from that talk.
So, have a most excellent day, but I assure you that it won’t be the least you can do.
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Check out a talk by elder Henry b eyring titled “law of increasing returns”
One of my favorite posts ever, MMM.
Thank you MMM for this post. I’ve never really thought of the saying, “it’s the least I could do”. And it’s true, I think in most of my activities I’m doing just enough to get by but in reality falling far short of what’s expected of me or what I can do and the potential for much growth.
Also, this is little off topic, but the photo at the bottom of the post of the Good Samaritan reminded me of an article I read from the Ensign in Feb ’07. “The Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols”. Such a fascinating article of the Fall and Redemption of mankind. http://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/02/the-good-samaritan-forgotten-symbols?lang=eng
Amen, a million times! Mediocrity is not to be celebrated or encouraged.
Such a good post! And one that was very helpful today!
Very timely, my friend. I’m speaking in Sacrament Meeting next week, and this discussion links well with my asisgned topic, which includes thoughts from President Eyring’s talk in the PH session.
He said,
“Great teachers have shown me how to prepare to keep the oath and covenant when time and age will make it harder. They have shown and taught me how to discipline myself to work harder than I thought I could while I still have health and strength.
“I can’t be a perfect servant every hour, but I can try to give more effort than I thought I could.”
Even the scripture, “it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength…”, directs that we should be running in the first place. And running is hard work!
Great post! I have enjoyed your insights. This is a perfect topic for our FHE tonight. We have been struggling with children who can do a bare minimum in school and get straight A’s. That’s great, but then the mediocrity spills over into other things in life – chores, music practice, seminary, being kind to siblings, etc. The Lord does expect great things from us, and as we have been reminded several times lately, WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!
Maybe by saying “it’s the least I could do is an expression of gratitude”. Such as, “after all you have done for me, the least I could do is bring you a pie.”
We aren’t expected to pay back an act for an act. Just to be kind or helpful when needed.
I agree that life isn’t about trying to get away with as little as possible.But, if we are offended, the least we can do is forgive the offender because our Savior forgave us. We should do more than forgive, we should show love. But it has to start somewhere.
Isn’t it interesting the words we use to explain away so many things.
I have been deep in thought for a while about the phrase “offending someone” and the corrisponding talk by Elder Bednar.
This list is a great wake-up call because no matter how much I want to say I don’t do it, I do some of those things on there. Thank you ever so much for the words to make me re-think the way I operate in my sphere of influence.
Thank you. Profound and timely, as usual. Can I borrow some of your words of wisdom for FHE tomorrow? I find I have better luck when someone else “tells” my 15-year-old to get his butt in gear. You, President Hinckley,… I need all the help I can get with that kid. 🙂
I remember complaining to a friend about how I rarely made it to the temple but was “doing the best that I can”. And she said, “no you’re not. You could do way better.” I was shocked by her statement because she was right; it totally wasn’t a priority.
“Doing the best you can” is most of the time a cop out.
P.S. yes, I have changed my name. See my blog for details.
Tonya: Yep, it can mean that, but that isn’t what we say. A better way to communicate that feeling might be: “I wish I could do more, but…”
Not to be contrary, but I think “it’s the least I can do” can also mean, “it’s what I can do, I wish I could do more” such as dinner brought in but disease not cured or spouse not brought back. That said, thanks for articulating a feeling many parents feel but can’t figure out how to explain to offspring. 🙂
This is a wonderful reminder, MMM! Thank you for sharing these thoughts with your readers today. 🙂
This post was amazing! I was seriously moved to tears with the call to repentance. Thanks for keeping us on the straight and narrow.
Hold the phone! You mean life ISN’T about getting away with doing as little as possible?? You mean I have to cook dinner??
Good post, MMM! I’ll admit that I’ve been guilty many times of doing “the least I could do”. Thanks for the reminder to reach for excellence!
I say “It’s the least I could do” all the time. My favorite is when my EC has worked hours on something for someone, & they say thank you to US. Now thats’s the least I could do.
Another favorite saying of mine is “It’s the most I could do”.
The Good Samaritan…great example of not doing “the least” but the most! And Christ…didn’t learn by osmosis (the least) but by actually experiencing our pain (the most)…now I want to go check out that PA Pizza post I just noticed on your blog…