What reasons have led to the minimization of pondering among the Latter-Day Saints? The Brethren speak of it frequently, but as members we are far better at study and prayer than pondering. However, pondering is essential to both prayer and study, and when left out removes much of the power of both.
I’m not sure why self reflection, or deep thought is difficult for us, because it seems as though honesty would dictate that we praise our successes, as well as analyze our failures. Moreover, although most of us might also site time as a limiting factor we know that to assign 5 of our 15 min study to pondering would improve what we get out in spite of covering less material. Not to mention the large increase in revelation specific to our application of the verses studied. If put to a vote the overwhelming majority would agree with me on this point, and yet still not ponder regularly themselves. Why?
The individual answer to this question will provide more insight into your spirituality than any other of which I can think. The comical irony of personal reflection to determine the cause of the lack of reflection, glares at me, however with out it we cannot move on spiritually. It is the struggling to keep commandments learned on the printed page and adapted to me that requires pondering. May we review and then improve on the time we spend and the quality of our pondering.
