I listened to Dallin Oaks speak at the conclusion of our semi-annual church conference yesterday, and my mind was taken back to a talk he gave many years ago that has had a powerful influence on my life. He presented his talk, “Good, Better, Best,” in the afternoon session of the October 2007 conference.  This is a talk that was long in coming and, unfortunately, I believe, short in remembering by the saints and local leaders. He quoted other apostles who have forewarned us regarding the over-scheduling of our families. His point was that just because something is “good” doesn’t mean it is the “best” use of our time. Quoting him:

“We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.

Jesus taught this principle in the home of Martha. While she was “cumbered about much serving” (Luke 10:40), her sister, Mary, “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” (v. 39). When Martha complained that her sister had left her to serve alone, Jesus commended Martha for what she was doing (v. 41) but taught her that “one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (v. 42). It was praiseworthy for Martha to be “careful and troubled about many things” (v. 41), but learning the gospel from the Master Teacher was more “needful.” The scriptures contain other teachings that some things are more blessed than others (see Acts 20:35; Alma 32:14–15).

A childhood experience introduced me to the idea that some choices are good but others are better. I lived for two years on a farm. We rarely went to town. Our Christmas shopping was done in the Sears, Roebuck catalog. I spent hours poring over its pages. For the rural families of that day, catalog pages were like the shopping mall or the Internet of our time.

Something about some displays of merchandise in the catalog fixed itself in my mind. There were three degrees of quality: good, better, and best. For example, some men’s shoes were labeled good ($1.84), some better ($2.98), and some best ($3.45).

As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.”

I was deeply moved by his remarks yesterday regarding the family and the experience he had with his grandparents after his father’s death when he was just seven years old. Upon hearing the tragic news, he quoted his grandfather, “I will be your Father!” Yesterday he declared:

“The doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family,” he said. “We are a family Church…Our relationship to God and the purpose of our mortal life are explained in terms of the family. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan of our Heavenly Father for the benefit of His spirit children.”

I’m glad we have prophets upon the land again.