A message from
Brother Parkinson,
2nd Counselor in the Bishopric
Several months ago, I gave a talk in the ward where I suggested that the principles of design used by artists and engineers could well be used by all of us as a framework for living successfully. In a more condensed form, the following was the message of that talk.
There are many ways that design principles are described. The list I prefer narrows the principles to the following five: Rhythm, Variety, Balance, Form and Unity.
Rhythm is a beat or tempo. Life has its ebbs and flows, and it’s our beliefs, our gospel principles, and the service we provide that keeps our lives in tune. Variety is the element that adds interest or excitement to a painting, score or design. Variety in the Creation is a testament of how the Lord values all His children. We should value variety while seeking a life partner that we may find one that will backfill our weaknesses and cherish the things we do well.
Balance is something that equalizes our differences and centers our existence. President Hinckley warned us against obsession and narrowness. Life challenges can upset the balance we seek, but preparation today for tomorrow’s challenges can balance our priorities.
Form is the quality of an object that distinguishes it from all other objects. Perhaps in a person, this might be exemplified in Character. President McKay said that “…more important than riches, more enduring than fame, more precious than happiness is the possession of a noble character…and a grand character is by its very nature the product of a probationary discipline.” “To develop a more radiant and lovely character is the true purpose in life.”
Finally, there is unity (or harmony), which is the sum total of the other four principles. Unity is also called accord, agreement or oneness. I’m not suggesting that unity requires a total lack of disagreement, but only that we are one in principle and devotion. “And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one Baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.” Mosiah 18:21.I believe that these design principles…Rhythm, Variety, Balance, Form and Unity…can help us deal with the challenges in life if we use the Gospel as the guiding foundation of these principles.
