Becoming as Little Children

I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity that I’ve had to spend every day with my amazing son, Brigham and the three boys I nanny during the week. It has become apparent to me during the past year and a half that children possess so many desirable attributes. A few have really stood out to me lately.

One, is their ability to take action without hesitation. They don’t care if they’re not good at something. In fact, sometimes it’s exciting to have the challenge of practicing so they can be as good as someone else. They do that because they’re humble. They’re used to having to learn. Once we become adults, a lot of times we get stubborn and comfortable and avoid situations where we are required to learn or allow our weaknesses to show. Perhaps this is why the Lord counsels us in Matthew 18:3-4 to humble ourselves as little children.

Another thing I’ve pondered about recently is how often our children are completely unaware of not only how hard we work for them everyday, but also how much we hope for them for their future. Some people start saving to help their kids go on missions or go to college from the time that they’re born. Others make a determined effort to be teaching the gospel everyday and in all ways possible so that they can ensure that when it comes time for their son to go on a mission, or their daughter to go to the temple to be married, that that child will choose righteously. In Doctrine and Covenants 78:17–18, we learn that we don’t understand how great the blessings are that the Father has prepared for us either. The same way as we prepare bright futures for our chidren, Heavenly Father does the same for us, only even more! We have such little comprehension of the blessings he’s waiting to pour out to us. What an exciting thought! Here’s my favorite mormon message that shows how much a father does for His children, just as Heavenly Father blesses us:

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father

The next thing I’d like to point out is that children are dependent. Often, they’re incapable of simple tasks such as going to the bathroom or feeding themselves. Sometimes they can’t walk, or even when they get older, they can’t reach the cup on the top shelf. They need help, to be put simply. Similarly, we learn in Doctrine and Covenants 78:17–18 that we cannot bear all things now. We are still learning, but Heavenly Father is there by our side. He has promised us in this verse that he will lead us along.

I love the direction that we receive in Mosiah 3:19.  We are told to “become as a little child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” I have gained a testimony of each of those attributes. I definitely still have room to grow, but I have noticed in my life that as I focus on becoming each of those things, that Heavenly Father blesses me. Specifically, I have a strong testimony of submitting yourself to His will. The greatest blessing I ever received in my life came just a few short days after I committed myself to do His will. I had even hung up a sign in my room that read “Thy Will Be Done.” I will forever remember that miracle and trust in Him that He knows best. I’m so grateful to be a child of God and I have a great testimony that as we become more like children, that we will be able to grow and become better. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.