Lauri has raised the question, "Is seminary really important?" Then the next step in the thought process is, "Is primary important? What about Relief Society?" I suppose I could go on, but you get the idea. My first response is of course. But why? I didn't fully have the answer until today at Relief Society. Our lesson was by Kristi Krueger, teaching her first ever RS lesson and it was on Zion.
What is this Zion the Lord talks about? Zion is most of all - people. People who are pure in heart; people who love the Lord and try to follow his teachings. Of course it is also our stakes and our homes.
I began to think about what you mothers are up against today. Cheating and lying are common, pre-marital sex is the norm, drugs and alcohol are cool, everything from pornography to dishonesty to homosexuality is allowed. It is made to look like it must be experienced if a person is to really be accepted. So how do you counter this? How can you balance the peer pressure your kids are or will be facing?
The only answer is in the stakes of Zion and in the home. It goes without saying TV, music, computers etc. influence the spirit of our homes. But as kids get older friends become almost as important as family. Seminary, Primary, YW & YM all provide an opportunity for the kids to see they are not alone in their beliefs. It gives them a chance to make friends who believe as they do. There might be a temptation that your child is facing, and of course not telling you about, that may be addressed that day in Seminary. Coincidence? I don't think so. I think the Lord cares as much as you do and prompts the teacher to touch on the very topic your child needs that day. You never know if today is the day the light goes on and they are strengthened because they were there.
I remember when I was a young mother with so many children. Most of my Sundays were spent out in the hallway with one child or another who was acting up. At one point I expressed that I didn't even know why I went to church. I was just like a colander and at the end of the day everything had drained out. Then I had the thought, "At least you are wet". It's the same for all of us, kids included. You won't go too far wrong if you keep getting wet.
So what is the first step to becoming more pure in heart? Being where we can have our spirits renewed and uplifted. In this crazy world that's not easy. But it is possible.
4 years ago
4 comments:
That's kind of why I have been pushing him going even though I wondered if it was worth the effort. I want him to build those relationships with people who have similar beliefs and aren't afraid to stand up to temptation. I know Zach is a good kid who has so far made good choices but I lso know that he faces fierce peer pressure. Alot of his friends are not members of the church and so I worry. I HATE the fights we have had this past week daily(even today) over seminary, but even though I don't want to bring him I think deep down I know it is what he needs.
Sometimes it just sucks trying to do the right thing when you feel drained to begin with.
Thanks for the perspective!
Amen Sista! You are absolutely right. It's hard some times to keep Zion alive in your home, as much as you try. Between breaking up fights and acting as taxi cabs, its easy to lose focus.
I am not looking forward to those early mornings either as Lauri has stated in her blog. But, I was really touched when Kristy said she knew one of her children (the one attending public school) would be okay because of seminary. You're right, you never know what someone will take away from a lesson, whether its RS, seminary etc. The point is, the light will go on some time. I know in my heart it will. The more exposure kids have to the Savior, the more likely that switch will get flipped.
Life is tough with kids. We make mistakes and we're tired. Soooo tired! :P But, we just have to keep plugging along and do the best we can with what we have.
I remember a story you've told about when Dad was inactive. You had just gone to Stake Conference and heard LeGrand Richards speak. You were so excited! When you came home, you told Dad all about it, but he showed no interest, and it seemed like you were talking to a brick wall. Later, after he became active again, LeGrand Richards spoke during General Conference. Dad said, "Hey, Ginger, isn't that the guy you liked so much at our Stake Conference?" You realized that although he didn't show it, you had touched him that day.
So, why do I force my kids to go to Seminary, to Mutual every week, to church every Sunday, and to participate in all the activities the church offers? Because even if they don't show it, maybe they will be touched someway. And at the end of the day, it can't hurt!
Hmmm...Not completely sold on the Seminary thing. I am afraid that my experiences were not the best. I will force my kids to go as well. I don't think that I will be too upset if they don't graduate, though. Hopefully, my kids will get more out of it and there will be better kids to hang out with. I am afraid that there was slim pickins for me.
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