In the middle of a prophecy about the Millenium, Isaiah inserted a fascinating phrase: "and a little child shall lead them." Elder Boyd K. Packer said that this phrase has meaning for us today. We can learn much from children, if we are willing to listen.
By Small Means
After describing the operation of the Liahona, Nephi tells us that God can accomplish great things by small means. In the same way, small but consistent interactions with our children can have an extraordinary positive impact in their lives.
A Tender Parent
After sharing his dream with his family, Lehi spoke to his sons "with all the feeling of a tender parent." We can likewise uplift and support those we love by encouraging, sharing, teaching, and inviting.
Stay by the Tree
When Lehi tasted the fruit of the tree in his dream, he invited his family to come taste it too. We can't force anyone to feel the love of God, but we can show them how that love brings us joy and invite them to feel it too.
No Greater Joy
John says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." If our greatest joy comes from the spiritual growth of our children, then we should put our greatest efforts into strengthening, encouraging, and guiding them.
Ready to Give an Answer
Peter advised us to always be prepared to answer questions about our faith. Who do those questions come from? Most commonly from our own family. If we're prepared, our teaching in the home can be both planned and spontaneous.
“When He Was Yet a Great Way Off”
The father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son waited patiently for his son's return and never gave up on him. This poem by Mary Lyman Henrie beautifully conveys the patient, hopeful love of this father while his son was lost.
Family Revelation
Raising children is too hard to do alone and requires more knowledge than any parents have. Like Joseph and Mary or Lehi and Sariah, we can receive revelation from God about how to lead our families "in love and righteousness."
Rachel Weeping
In the middle of a message of hope and optimism, Jeremiah pauses to paint a picture of a devastated mother observing the suffering of her children: Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Jeremiah 31:15 Ramah was a... Continue Reading →
Train Up a Child
Several passages in the book of Proverbs are directed to parents, reminding them of their responsibilities toward their children. Here is my favorite one: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 There is so much hope and optimism in that statement—parents' efforts... Continue Reading →