So one of my biggest areas of improvement in my life is the fact that I am NOT very good about reading my scriptures. I try. I try. And by the time I try again I wonder if I should just start reading the scriptures from the beginning since so much time has passed I can't remember where I'm at or if I should start from where I left off...or start somewhere different altogether. I think I've started the Book of Mormon about six different times in the recent past. I've read the Book of Mormon and I know of it's truthfulness. I know that reading it gives me such a testimony of our Heavenly Father's love, but somehow I let those opportunities for spiritual growth through reading slip away.
My visiting teacher came and gave me this month's message about scripture reading and how important it is not only for ourselves but for our family. I admitted that it is one thing that I struggle with. She and I brainstormed on ways I could incorporate it into my life and one of them was by reading with Sarah and Allison. I remembered that a friend of mine reads scriptures to her three kiddos EVERY NIGHT before they go to bed. She's s single working mom and she finds time to settle in with the glorious words of the Lord, and I have yet to ever give that blessing to my children. So I committed to myself to read to the girls...or try to.
Tonight was the first night I decided to implement my new habit. My friend had told me she was successful to reading to her kids by allowing them to do what they wanted (play, color, draw, rest) as long as her voice was the loudest. I told Sarah that she could do something else but I wanted her to listen and to have a quiet whisper if she needed to talk. So I started out by telling her who Nephi was and who his daddy was. As I read I'd pause and explain a few things. I thought I would be reading to unlistening ears...which was fine because at least I was reading. But much to my surprise there was Sarah, turning to look at me and listen as I read. My heart was beaming with love and the Spirit was there.
As I read the last line in the first chapter:
'But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those who he hath chose, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.'
She turned and asked, "Why does Heavenly Father have tender mercies for us?'
She got it. She listened. She absorbed. I had an opportunity to share with her the wonder and amazement that is Heavenly Father's love. This is why scripture reading is so important, even to a three year old.
When it comes to scripture reading it is not so they memorize the stories or know the characters. Reading the scriptures is so important so as to teach children that they are loved. That there is purpose in what they do and the choices they make. That there is reason behind what we believe and why we believe it. Little ears do listen and as those little ears grow into teenage ears I hope I've done my part to help them discern truth from lies.
5 comments:
Sarah is an amazing little girl! I can't get Abi to hold still for scriptures yet and we even read a simplified version with pictures!
Well, Sarah wasn't really 'still' per ce...just stationary while drawing and coloring pictures. :) I tried reading the "My First BoM" book to Sarah about 100 times before I finally gave up. She'd take the book out of my hand and put it back on the shelf every time. So I decided to go with the real thing. :)
I believe scripture reading consistently is one of the keys to why Callie is sdo literate at such a young age. Ever since she could barely talk we would read with her. we would take turns and when it was her turn we would say a word and she would repeat it. it increased to a couple words at a time, then more and then we can say an entire phrase and she will repeat it. sometimes we can even point out words to her and she can read them! You know like ripliancum and rameumtom and stuff like that.
Wow, here's another example of why I say you guys are a million miles ahead of where I was at your age. I sang "Book of Mormon Stories" and thought I was doing well. Especially when Emily sang, "Given this land... if they lived... right your sleeves!"
But seriously, I am so proud of you, and how interesting that Sarah seemed to understand the 'real thing' was somehow more reverent than a child's version. And you are exactly right on another count; recognizing the spirit (or lack thereof) is a most powerful defense in the war against lies. I am so thankful my grandbabies are in such wonderful homes. kisses!
Thanks for sharing this. I've struggled lately too, and recognized only a couple days ago that one thing we definitely lack in our home is our morning scripture study. Zach and I agreed that after we move (because before the move is so tedious, and the move is in 3 days), we will get back to reading every morning; we even have the time already picked out, and a firm YES from my mom to join us.
I never really understand why it takes me so very long to recognize what I'm missing in my life, but I recently recognized, AGAIN, that it was the Spirit. I have it back in my heart, and starting Monday we'll have it back in our home.
And, by the way, Callie did tell me about 6 months ago that she loves "to read about the Nephites and Lamanites". I promise that will happen for Sarah and Allison too.
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