January 2024, Week 4

 *Today at church Ben was the chorister.  It was fun to be the one smiling up at him instead of the other way around.

*One speaker shared how the mists of darkness in Lehi and Nephi's dream are not just the world we live in, but can also be found individually within us in the form of the natural man.  We need to be diligent in keeping the mists of darkness from overtaking us as we overcome the natural man.

*Our visiting High Counselor spoke about honesty, as it pertains to the temple recommend questions.  He said that honesty is a tool we can use to get closer to Heavenly Father.  I hadn't thought of it that way.  I usually think of it in reverse, as when we are not honest, we move further away from Him.  But being honest opens the door to the Spirit.  Honesty is direct, uncomplicated, fair, and just.  We can know what the Lord expects of us and we can do it.

*There was a family behind us and their young son has struggled with anxiety since he was a toddler.  I heard him talking to his dad, saying that he didn't want to go to Primary, because his foot was hurting and he was afraid it was going to hurt more and more until he couldn't walk.  His dad was very reassuring, saying that he'd walk with him and even carry him if he needed it.  The boy wouldn't let up, and finally asked, "Why are you forcing me to go to Primary?  I don't want to go!"  I briefly wondered how I would handle that question.  Thankfully, Nursery is the only Primary class my kids have refused to go to, and otherwise, all six have willingly gone to their classes on their own.  The dad (somewhat wearily) responded, "Primary is important, son."  The answer wasn't quite enough to calm him down, but I kept thinking about that answer-- it's important enough to make sure his son is there, even when there is resistance and anxiety and (in the eyes of the son) force.  Would I have taught my kids the same lesson, or given in?  It really is important to learn of Jesus and to have the songs in Primary become part of who you are.  We are children of God.  What is He trying to get us to do because it is important, even when we're facing anxiety about it?  I'm sure He'd carry us through it if we asked.

It was a delight!