In our family scripture study we have come full circle again and are back in 1 Nephi. I love Nephi, there is so much to learn there. We were busy reading about when Lehi is telling his family of the dream he had. You know when you know something, and you hear it said to you, it's not new, but maybe a new take on it, and suddenly that new take strikes you and you can't stop thinking about it...
We were discussing the reasons people might let go of the Iron Rod and follow different paths, or no paths at all, just aimlessly wander around heading nowhere. My daughter Rachel (10) looked at me and said: "Mommy, what about the little children who can't reach the iron rod and are holding onto their parents hands?" I was so struck by this mental image, I attempted to put it onto paper:
They are so trusting, they are holding onto our hands for a time, they won't let go, they will follow where we lead. Where are we leading them? As for me, I will hold fast to that rod of iron, I will press forward steadily and faithfully to the tree of life, because there is nothing more desirable in this world, and I wish for my family to partake of it also. And as time goes by and they are able to reach, I will help them to grasp that rod for themselves. Ultimately that is one of parenthood's main purposes; to prepare children to enter this world as capable, strong, prepared adults. I pray constantly for the knowledge and guidance I need to be able to achieve this goal.
2 comments:
I loved this post, thank you for it!
The flip-side, of course, is that if we wander astray we are leading the children away from where they should be, as they are trusting and holding onto us, and we will be accountable for that. It's not a case of "the might follow us" but that they will be taken along with us whichever direction we choose when they are little. I will strive to hold faster to the rod as my children hold my hands.
Lovely drawing too my Darling. Note our Visiting Teaching message of July 2010 too. Your drawing illustrates that partly. Thank you for sharing your tender moments, and some of those with your darling children, with us.
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