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They taught me


This was after driving home from church this weekend. Thankfully she transferred to her bed and napped a little longer than the five minute drive home. 

I wanted to share a brief story from a few years ago. 

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Every six months they hold a general conference that is broadcast in multiple sessions. 

In October, 2018 Reagan was one month old. Brant needed to use that Saturday to work on the roof of the house we were building. 

I planned to let the kids play; do whatever they wanted- while I attempted to watch a few of the talks and try to enjoy it by myself. 

Early that Saturday morning the older kids came to me and said, "Mom, we'll clean up the house and get ready for conference while you run to the store to get anything we might need." 

I've tried a number of traditions over the years to get them interested- and apparently they've stuck. 

I followed their lead, walked down the road (we were living very close to the only store- Family Dollar) and bought a few treats, notebooks, and colored pens. 

That conference was very memorable for me. I learned that children remember what you teach them. 

And even though I cried at the idea of a more "home-centered church" when they announced it, I felt the Holy Ghost testify to me that my family is everything. And these kids are capable of learning and achieving great things. 

Why did I cry, you ask? Probably because I had a one month old baby and six other kids. I was tired. My husband was gone, and although they were behaving well, I felt the weight of parenting very heavy. It's not an easy job to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to young children- well enough for them to truly learn it. And I felt it might be too much to bare.

But over the last year while the changes are being implemented, I've been strengthened many times. And I believe that it is a truly blessed experience to live in this day- when our Heavenly Father trusts us so much!

I guess like my kids- who wanted to prepare for watching conference that Saturday morning because that's what we always did- I too can learn to rely on my Savior. He'll strengthen me, just like he always does. 

Long story short. It's almost time for general conference again. I know they'll expect treats, almost possibly toys. And I'm okay with that. Because now I expect them to want to watch it. And I pray that they'll learn as much as I hope to.

And we'll sure to enjoy our traditional picnic lunch as well. 

Comments

  1. MaryMarch 9, 2020 at 9:19 PM

    Yep, and a little Child shall lead them. We loved those Picnics, when we didn't have the option of watching at Home.

    ReplyDelete

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