July 22, 2010

Tonight I read a Conference talk by Elder L. Tom Perry called Mothers Teaching Children in the Home. I loved this talk. It really got my insides excited because if nothing else, I do have a testimony of my sacred responsibility as a mother in my home to teach and nurture my children! It is an ever burning fire within me.

I liked the ideas I gained from the example of Elder Perry's mother of quizzing my children whenever they are taught away from home "to be certain the correct lessons [are] reaching [their] ears and shaping [their] minds," of practicing Church lessons on the children, of memorizing scriptures, Articles of Faith, and the words of the prophets. I agree 110% with his mother's belief that "a mind [will] become weak if it [is] not constantly exercised."

I know that my role as a parent and using that position to teach my children in the home is the "most sacred and important responsibility" ... that it is essential to my Heavenly Father's work. I am grateful for what my parents taught me in our home and also grateful for those outside our home who I also learned from. When Elder Perry said, "Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time" I couldn't help but notice the word ONE. He doesn't mean that we only have to do once, but I believe he means that each time we do one of those things we add a little dose of light and truth to our home. It is my vision to have our home absolutely brimming with light and truth so that when people come in, it is unmistakable to notice.

I want our children to have that added "layer of insulation" to protect them from the "onslaught of wickedness," the "subtle" and "brazen" work of the adversary that is found in the world today. I feel the weight of my responsibility. My son is not mine, he is Heavenly Father's precious child... and he has been entrusted into my care. It is my greatest desire to truly do everything within my power and capabilities to fulfill my sacred responsibility. I will never ever ever ever lose sight of this responsibility. EVER!