So this weekend Nate attended the "It's great to be 8" fireside for all the kids who will turn 8 in the next 12 months. He actually doesn't turn 7 for another week and a half but being in Primary affords me a little wiggle room. I just really want him to be excited and prepared for this special event. Anyways, one of the dad's was giving a talk on Baptism and was reading from the New Testament the story of Jesus' baptism. He read this scripture:
Matthew 3:13-14"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be a baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?"
The speaker then asked what John meant by this. Nate raised his hand and very adult like said, "He didn't understand why Jesus needed to be baptized because Jesus was perfect." Ok so honestly at that moment my heart swelled with pride that my son so completely understood this story. I was feeling pretty pleased with him and naturally my stellar parenting skills. :) But wait, it gets better.
The next speaker was talking about the Holy Ghost and the feelings that come from the Holy Ghost. He asked if anyone ever felt that warm and happy feeling inside when they made a good choice or sang a beautiful song in Primary. All the other kids were nodding their heads and Nate blurts out very matter-a-factly, "Nope. Never." The teacher tried to give another example and Nate just shook his head. Yeah... obviously my stellar parenting skills need to focus a bit more on helping him recognize the Holy Ghost because I know he has felt it but just hasn't grasped that that is what he is feeling. But mostly I was just reminded how often in parenting situations when I'm getting puffed up with pride about how really great I am and what a great parent I am .... I am quickly reminded that it's really not me. And don't get me wrong, this isn't a pity party... I do think I do many things well as a parent and that I work hard to teach my children the gospel and to love our Savior. What I'm trying to say is in that moment when Nate gave his perfect answer I felt joy for what a great boy he is and that he is getting it but honestly a part of me felt satisfaction in knowing that others there might also be impressed with MY child. So I think it was fitting that just a few minutes later my little bubble burst. I don't know, maybe this doesn't happen to anyone else, but it was a perfect reminder for me that we should be "stripped of pride" like Alma says in ch.5 vs.28.
"Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life."
Anyways, I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves us enough to strip us of our pride.
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5 comments:
what a great reminder!! and a very cute story! thanks for sharing!
Okay, true, true. But seriously, his answer was awesome! I'm sure you are doing a great job. . . he's on his way!
Mike and I are dying. I love the "Nope. Never." Seriously, that is too funny. Don't beat yourself up about it (not that you are) because you are doing a great job and you have really wonderful kids.
Ya know, I'd like to say that "I've been there", but since we're perfect (I'm actually posting this from the "Translated Beings" part of the afterlife--who knew they'd have internet access?)...actually...I've been there and I hear ya sister. Obviously, that's why this Bird family is still here on earth! You are a terrific mother! I couldn't see you being anything else. And just remember too: Nate's a boy.
http://spectacularstephens.blogspot.com/
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