Power of Thick Institutions

Lately I’ve been thinking about how often I try to make family life easier.

I don’t want to ask too much of my kids. I want them to love being home, love being together, and have a family life full of connection, fun, and good memories.

And honestly, I can think about church this way too. Sometimes I catch myself wondering what is the least we can get away with. Church attendance, scriptures, temple, prayer… it can feel like a lot.

But I’m realizing that when I am always trying to remove the weight, I may also be removing what matters most.

The places that have asked the most of me, family, church, community, have also shaped me the most.

Yes, they can feel demanding. Even stifling. But the alternative is not always freedom. Sometimes it is disconnection.

The things that change us usually require something from us.

Time. Effort. Showing up.

So instead of pulling away when something feels hard
I’ve been asking:

Is this shaping me into who I want to become?

And more often than not… the answer is yes.