Like Step 6 or 7 talks about, as I’ve been trying to improve my overall character weaknesses, I’ve discovered quite a few issues I need to work on.
One of those issues is PATIENCE!
I went to the April 2012 General Conference link this morning and, ironically, the first two articles are about little children. The first is And a Little Child Shall Lead Them by President Boyd K Packer. The second is Teaching Our Children to Understand by Cheryl A. Esplin of the Primary General Presidency. I’m not sure if either one has much to do with patience with my kids or not, but I plan to research them right now to find out.
The sub-title of President Packer’s talk says it pretty clearly:
Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling—from which they will never be released—is to one another and then to their children.
President Packer goes on to say:
Mormon taught that “little children are alive in Christ”1 and need not repent.
“Children are an heritage of the Lord: and … happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.”2
The creation of life is a great responsibility for a married couple. It is the challenge of mortality to be a worthy and responsible parent. Neither man nor woman can bear children alone. It was meant that children have two parents—both a father and a mother. No other pattern or process can replace this one…
The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is to see a husband and his wife and their children happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood. Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling—from which they will never be released—is to one another and then to their children.
One of the great discoveries of parenthood is that we learn far more about what really matters from our children than we ever did from our parents. We come to recognize the truth in Isaiah’s prophecy that “a little child shall lead them.”4
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”5
“Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
“And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.”6
I can understand the feelings expressed by the Savior toward children. There is much to be learned from following His example in seeking to pray for, bless, and teach “those little ones.”9
Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families…
Fathers and mothers, next time you cradle a newborn child in your arms, you can have an inner vision of the mysteries and purpose of life. You will better understand why the Church is as it is and why the family is the basic organization in time and in eternity. I bear witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that the plan of redemption, which has been called the plan of happiness, is a plan for families. I pray the Lord that the families of the Church will be blessed, parents and children, that this work will roll forth as the Father intends.
That was a great talk. The family is the CORE of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The eternal family is the priority. This reminds me of the proclamation – The Family: A Proclamation to the World:
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
I’m grateful for my family.
I take for granted how great my wife is, both as a friend, a mother, and a wife.
I’m grateful for my kids. I’m too hard on them. I’m especially too hard on Caleb. I want to be better, more patient, more Christ-like. I want to value every moment I have with them. I want to laugh off their mistakes and love them into doing what’s right. I want to enjoy the bike rides, the baseball practices, the soccer kicks, the reading times.
I don’t want my anger or personal issues effect how I raise my family. I don’t want to set an example that will carry over into how they raise their kids.
I want to be better.
I want to submit my will completely to Heavenly Father and let Him direct my path.
I know the Spirit is there to help me if I am worthy. I know Heavenly Father is there to communicate with me if I soften my heart and reach out to Him.
Today is a new day and I will be my best self.
I’m grateful for this study and reminder.
Tomorrow I’ll study “Teaching Our Children to Understand“.
Hasta manana!
Nate
[…] I studied about having more patience with my kids; the day went fairly well. I had one time where I got a bit angry with the kids, primarily due to […]