Lehi loves all his children, even Laman and Lemuel, and desires their righteousness. He tries to teach them by types "be like unto this valley, firm, steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!" 1 Nephi 2:10. When they murmur and complain because "they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them."1 Nephi 2:12, Lehi speaks to them with power, "being filled with the Spirit" 1 Nephi 2:14. While this temporarily changes their behavior, it does not change their hearts.
From a parenting point of view:
How do I interact with my children when their behavior or attitude is not wonderful? Do I seek to have the Spirit to direct and guide me? Do I seek a change in my heart as well as theirs?
Do I find myself murmuring against life circumstances because I know not the dealings of God? How do I seek a change of heart so I am strong and steadfast and immovable? How do I come to know God?
A quick search of "firm steadfast and immovable" returned several great articles, among them
"Steadfast and Immovable, Always Abounding in Good Works" by Elder Bednar
"Steadfast and Immovable" by Sylvia Allred, especially the last third of her talk.
I am so grateful for my Savior, for His atoning sacrifice, His unceasing love, and for His always remembering me.
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Saturday, March 2, 2013
1 Nephi 1:16-17
Nephi records that Lehi beheld many visions and dreams and that he recorded many of his prophesies and counsel to his children. Nephi will follow his example in recording events and revelations in his own life.
When I look at my parents and their lives, I see the echoes in my life, or maybe they're seeds that have taken root and started to grow. I guess parents and children are like the parable of the sower.
Children don't have a lot of control over what happens in their lives. Parents provide the environment and the seeds, but eventually the children are responsible. Lehi's children probably had similar environments and similar seeds, but each had to eventually choose their own path, their own soil, their own seeds. I've never really understood why, when given a choice between what is good and bad and wrong and right, people ultimately make the choice they do.
I'm old enough to pick and choose what I will nurture and what I will grow in my life, so the question is, What do I choose? What am I choosing today? What will I choose tomorrow? What seeds am I choosing to sow, which am I inadvertently sowing along the way and how will I make changes to the seeds I don't like?
From "The Family: A Proclamation To The World" paragraph 6,
The scriptures tend to shine light into the dark recesses of my soul and make visible what I may not have otherwise seen. Things I am lacking, things I need to improve.
I don't remember where I originally heard this story related by Robert Fulghum, but it is beautiful. Here is the ending:
How far can my influence reach?
What are my purposes and responsibilities in this life?
How do you see yours?
When I look at my parents and their lives, I see the echoes in my life, or maybe they're seeds that have taken root and started to grow. I guess parents and children are like the parable of the sower.
Children don't have a lot of control over what happens in their lives. Parents provide the environment and the seeds, but eventually the children are responsible. Lehi's children probably had similar environments and similar seeds, but each had to eventually choose their own path, their own soil, their own seeds. I've never really understood why, when given a choice between what is good and bad and wrong and right, people ultimately make the choice they do.
I'm old enough to pick and choose what I will nurture and what I will grow in my life, so the question is, What do I choose? What am I choosing today? What will I choose tomorrow? What seeds am I choosing to sow, which am I inadvertently sowing along the way and how will I make changes to the seeds I don't like?
From "The Family: A Proclamation To The World" paragraph 6,
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children...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. The Family: A Proclamation To The World
The scriptures tend to shine light into the dark recesses of my soul and make visible what I may not have otherwise seen. Things I am lacking, things I need to improve.
I don't remember where I originally heard this story related by Robert Fulghum, but it is beautiful. Here is the ending:
I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have I can reflect light into the dark places of this world -- into the black places in the hearts of men -- and change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of my life. http://christysclipart.com/mirror.htmlWhat am I doing with my soil and how am I nourishing the soil of my family/friends/community/county?
How far can my influence reach?
What are my purposes and responsibilities in this life?
How do you see yours?
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