Why Didn't You Teach Me That Before?

Sunday, January 02, 2011

Why Didn't You Teach Me That Before?

I attribute much of the development of my childhood testimony to my mom, who was very deliberate and selective in exposing me to certain music. One of the tapes I listened to had children songs based on the New Testament. Many of those songs have impactful lessons that still influence my life. A favorite of those songs was about Satan tempting Jesus during His 40 day fast. One verse went like this:

Come, Satan said, I know you must be hungry.

Use your power now to turn this stone to bread.

But Jesus said to Satan, there's more to life than bread.

Like trying to live by every word of God instead.

And then there was the chorus, that has always stuck with me:

Jesus knew who He was

And He didn't need to prove it.

Not even to Himself.

He just stayed very calm

And He went about His business

Making sure He did the work His Father wanted Him to do.

As a parent I have often found myself in situations where Ammon is distressed because he knows he is right about something, but there is someone else who disagrees. I usually try to talk him down from it:

"Ammon, you know you are right, and I know you are right, so it doesn't matter what [insert name here] thinks."

And that works pretty well. But today, on the way to church, when Peter was disagreeing with him about something, and he needed that reminder once again, I elaborated. I told him about this song. About the lesson he can learn, not from me, but from the Savior. He understood it immediately and responded by simply asking "Mom, why didn't you teach me that before?"

And I have to wonder - why didn't I? I wanted to say that I was waiting for him to get old enough to listen or to understand. But I realized (again) that children understand a great deal at very young ages - particularly as it pertains to gospel truth.

There is nothing that has brought my life more peace, joy, understanding, direction and happiness than my knowledge of the Savior. And although I think I am teaching my children those same lessons that bless me, it turns out that there are parts that are slipping through the cracks.

Today I was reminded to do even better - to place a greater emphasis on and more completely teach the knowledge I have of a loving Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. So that my children can be blessed as I have been.

2 comments:

UnknownJanuary 2, 2011 at 4:50 PM
I loved this. I immediately wished for a "like" button. :)
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MichelleJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Aren't kids great for reminding us? And thanks for passing on that most excellent parenting lesson, I really appreciate it!
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Family Proclamation

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.