Today, I will be taking our boys to church, as my husband is sick with the flu. I think it can be a challenge to be by yourself and take your kids to church, but I also think that it is very important to follow through.
Let me step back a few years. When my oldest was under one, I would take him to church by myself, as at the time my husband was not active in church. During the course of the 3 hour block, I became discouraged because I wasn't getting the spiritual uplift that I wanted and needed. I was spending much of the time in the hallway, because my baby was being too noisy to be able to sit through some of the meetings. At that very moment that I became discouraged and thought to myself what is the point of me being here, the Primary President came around the corner and said to me, "I remember those days, it will get better." At that moment in time, it occurred to me that I am not the only one that has had to go in the hallway, that there will be better days, and it is important for me to be there even in the hallway for a short time period in my babies life. Why? Because it shows him that going to church is an important part of our lives, and eventually when he is older, the habit will be instilled in him, and again, when he grows older he'll start to realize the weekly spiritual nourishment that he can get at church. What a great insight that was for me. It was not coincidence that the Primary President came around the corner at that exact moment, and that what she said to me gave me a better testimony of why it is so important that I come to church with my little one even if it is in the hallway for a brief time in life.
Now, my oldest is in Primary and is loving it. I can see the spiritual growth he has gained by my persistence and faith in bringing him to church each Sunday. It is wonderful to hear him so excited to learn about our Savior. To learn about eternal families, as sometime in the future our family will be sealed for time and all eternity, what a great testimony builder this will be for him, and for our little family as a whole. It is exciting to see him be excited to say the family prayer at night, or during dinner time. It is heart warming to hear him speak with his little voice that permeates a spiritual warmth throughout my heart.
And, I am back to the hallway days off and on with our youngest. He will be able to go to the nursery in about 6 months, which will in turn help for me be able to focus on my weekly spiritual uplift. But again, for now, it is important to teach him that going to church weekly is important to us individually and as a family.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach our little ones the importance of living the gospel in their daily lives. I am grateful for the small teachings I receive through my children, for their little insights that give me strength to push forward. This life is truly an amazing journey, difficult at times sure, perhaps difficult is an understatement at times, but nevertheless, it is a blessing. I truly am grateful for the opportunities for spiritual insight and spiritual growth.
