I was reading this article on the website for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was particularly struck by this quote:
"Children can sense--even if they can't articulate it--whether a parent is motivated by selfishness or by what the parent believes is best for the child."
We should remember to encourage and push children because it is good for them rather than out of motivation to make ourselves look good to other parents.
"We can help our children see the long view in their own lives. Possibly, the most powerful way to do this is by being the type of people we want them to become. ... If they see us trying to be Christlike, they will be more likely to try to emulate Him too."
I bare my testimony to Benjamin as close to every night as I can so that he knows that I have one and that it is important to me. Even if I don't do anything else for his Night-Night routine, I share my testimony or have someone else share a "guest" testimony. Now I need to lead the rest of my life the way that I want him to lead his own.
"We need to help our youth understand the Atonement and what it personally means to each of them. Teach them that because of the Atonement there is hope in this life and in the life to come. Somehow, we need to help our youth see how relevant this is to their everyday lives, their happiness, and their eternal salvation."
I love the Atonement. Studying it, thinking about it, seeking to apply it to my life. I hope that I am able to help Benjamin gain an even greater appreciation of this principle and event.
Even though I sometimes forget it, I do have a testimony of the Atonement and the love of the Savior for me and all of Heavenly Father's children.
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