Thursday, January 04, 2007

The Faith of a Child

My 7-year-old has set a goal to read the Book of Mormon this year before his 8th birthday.

I set up a simple reading schedule for him and started in on Monday night. On Tuesday night, as we were reading 1 Nephi 2:16-17, we got talking about how he can know if the Book of Mormon is true. I explained Moroni's promise and we discussed what it feels like when the Holy Ghost tells us that something is true. I told him that when the Spirit speaks to us, we feel warm and happy inside and we might even have "happy tears."

He got very concerned and asked, "But Mom, what if it's not true?"

I answered, "Well, then you'll feel confused and dark and cold inside. But I can tell you for myself that I know it's true."

I kissed him goodnight and tucked him in.

The following morning, he came into my room where I was reading my own scriptures. He snuggled up to me in bed with his Book of Mormon in hand and said, "Mom! Guess what?"

"What?"

"Guess what! I did just like you said last night, and guess what?"

"What?"

"Well, I prayed just like you said and I felt that warm touch inside!"








...and a little child shall lead them.

15 comments:

dalene said...

That is so neat, Julie! I have always admired children whose hearts remain pure even as they grow up but who also show a maturity beyond their years.

Whether at 7 or 17 or whenever it's so humbling when your kid gets it.

I have noticed a change over the past few months with L~. He is kinder and gentler--not perfect, but making an obvious effort to improve. During his talk on that Sunday when our entire family had to speak in church I was contemplating his change of heart and it came to me that what changed him was his love of and his daily study of the Book of Mormon. People kept coming up that day and asking me if I was so proud.

"No," I replied. "I am so humbled."

Lyle said...

What a blessing it is to be a part of special moments like that with your children.

Recently, we were reading scriptures as a family and my 8 yr old started to tear up towards the end (it was somewhere in 3rd Nephi when the Savior was talking). We asked him if he was okay and he said, "I just feel so good inside." That totally made all the other days of restless, noisy, bother your neighbor, fall asleep reading the scripture days worth it.

Geo said...

On Tuesday, our young women activity centered on choosing Personal Progress projects for the year. Two of the three girls in attendance decided to read the BOM. The other chose to read the D&C. I have been brainstorming ways to give encouragement, mainly because I have a gut feeling that one of the BOM girls, the one who possibly needs to read it the most, is going to let this opportunity pass her by. What a beautiful thing it is for a person of any age to feel that "warm touch" of the Spirit's confirmation of truth. I so want that for "my" girls. That's a special thing you shared.

Sarah said...

Yesss! Kids rule.

Carrot Jello said...

That is so sweet when they have experiences like that :)

LuckyRedHen said...

Tender.

Elizabeth-W said...

I love those moments. "Humbled" is exactly the word for it.

b. said...

Definitely inspiring.....and a proud mommy moment for sure!

Sister Pottymouth said...

Thanks, everyone. I debated whether or not to post this, but I kept feeling that I should. (Phil was a bit concerned that I'd put it on the internet.) It was such a humbling experience for me. This is my sweet, good-natured child, so I figured he'd just accept it--that he wouldn't be worried about finding out the truth. That's how I was as a child. But I was humbled to learn that he truly wanted to know for himself, and that he had the faith to find out.

I think I need to work harder on my own faith.

Cari said...

Thanks for sharing such a special story with us all. We can all learn from the examples of children. It's almost scary how strong they are. I too have had similar experiences with my children and children in Primary. They are awesome! Thanks.

Lisa said...

Are you kidding me?

That was a wonderful thing for me to read.

Tiffany UnTwisted said...

ok .. i cried (at work no less).

Lianne said...

Awesome!

Now if my evil offspring would do that as well. They got it when they were kids, but have lost it as the world has crept in.

wendy said...

What a little sweetie you have. And a good example for me. I need to get off the computer and go read my scriptures!

Elizabeth said...

This is so beautiful. I love that you sat and talked with him, explaining your answers carefully. What a special moment!