I wanted to share a sweet story with you all this Sabbath Day. I am continually amazed at the ability children have to teach us valuable lessons that we sometimes forget, or at least forget to think about, as we get older and get busy with our lives.
The other day I was told that there was a charter school that was on lock-down because of a shooting. It was in the neighborhood where my children's charter school is located. My heart sank. We live in a decent area, in a state with a relatively low crime rate. However this is the kind of thing that you hear about, and dread the thought that it might someday happen at your school. With a knot in my stomach I turned on the news, and was quickly relieved to learn that the incident had actually taken place a little ways away, near a high school in the area, and that the students involved had been taken into custody. At this time there was one injury, but no casualties. Our school, as well as some other elementary schools in the area had been placed on lockdown as a precaution until the suspects were taken into custody.
When I picked my kids up that afternoon, I was anxious to see what they had thought of the whole experience. I innocently asked "How was school today? Did anything interesting happen?" Of course they both told me all about it. I asked if it was scary. They both said that it was, and even a couple students were crying.
Then my 8 year old, who was recently baptized, told me that as she and the other students were huddled under the desks, she closed her eyes and said a prayer, asking Heavenly Father to keep them safe. Tears came to my eyes. I asked her if she had said her prayer in her head or out loud. She told me in her head, but that when she opened her eyes, some kids asked her what she had her eyes closed for. When I asked her what she told them, she told me in that sweet, matter of fact way she has, " I told them I was scared, so I said a little prayer".
She didn't hesitate to do what we had always taught her to do whenever she was in need of comfort. She was in a classroom full of students, unashamed to close her eyes and implore her Heavenly Father for help on behalf of herself and her fellow students. She had no doubt that He was listening. I have no doubt either. What wonderful examples our children are for us!
A child's faith is so complete, so pure and sure. This is the kind of faith I want. This is the kind of faith that carries us through the trials large or small that we all encounter throughout our lives. Sadly, the day after the incident, it was reported that the victim had passed away from his injuries. I pray for both his family, and also the young man responsible, and his family. I pray their faith will be strong, and carry them through.
I have been touched and inspired as I have come to know the stories of some wonderful women, through reading their blogs. I have been uplifted by their faith and their testimonies of the peace and comfort the gospel brings. Hearing of the comforting spirit they have been touched by during the most trying experiences of their lives, helps build my faith and strengthens my knowledge that "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me" (Phillipians 4:13).
I am grateful to these women, and to my little cowgirl for helping me remember. And I am especially grateful to my Savior, for His great plan of happiness, and the comfort this knowledge brings me - every day.
The other day I was told that there was a charter school that was on lock-down because of a shooting. It was in the neighborhood where my children's charter school is located. My heart sank. We live in a decent area, in a state with a relatively low crime rate. However this is the kind of thing that you hear about, and dread the thought that it might someday happen at your school. With a knot in my stomach I turned on the news, and was quickly relieved to learn that the incident had actually taken place a little ways away, near a high school in the area, and that the students involved had been taken into custody. At this time there was one injury, but no casualties. Our school, as well as some other elementary schools in the area had been placed on lockdown as a precaution until the suspects were taken into custody.
When I picked my kids up that afternoon, I was anxious to see what they had thought of the whole experience. I innocently asked "How was school today? Did anything interesting happen?" Of course they both told me all about it. I asked if it was scary. They both said that it was, and even a couple students were crying.
Then my 8 year old, who was recently baptized, told me that as she and the other students were huddled under the desks, she closed her eyes and said a prayer, asking Heavenly Father to keep them safe. Tears came to my eyes. I asked her if she had said her prayer in her head or out loud. She told me in her head, but that when she opened her eyes, some kids asked her what she had her eyes closed for. When I asked her what she told them, she told me in that sweet, matter of fact way she has, " I told them I was scared, so I said a little prayer".
She didn't hesitate to do what we had always taught her to do whenever she was in need of comfort. She was in a classroom full of students, unashamed to close her eyes and implore her Heavenly Father for help on behalf of herself and her fellow students. She had no doubt that He was listening. I have no doubt either. What wonderful examples our children are for us!
A child's faith is so complete, so pure and sure. This is the kind of faith I want. This is the kind of faith that carries us through the trials large or small that we all encounter throughout our lives. Sadly, the day after the incident, it was reported that the victim had passed away from his injuries. I pray for both his family, and also the young man responsible, and his family. I pray their faith will be strong, and carry them through.
I have been touched and inspired as I have come to know the stories of some wonderful women, through reading their blogs. I have been uplifted by their faith and their testimonies of the peace and comfort the gospel brings. Hearing of the comforting spirit they have been touched by during the most trying experiences of their lives, helps build my faith and strengthens my knowledge that "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me" (Phillipians 4:13).
I am grateful to these women, and to my little cowgirl for helping me remember. And I am especially grateful to my Savior, for His great plan of happiness, and the comfort this knowledge brings me - every day.
Comments
((hugs))
Jen
Your girl is such a doll. Her childlike faith is really inspirational!