Plain and Precious

I love to look at my children when they are sleeping.  Basking in their innocence and sweetness while they sleep is the best part of my day!  


A few nights ago, as we were having our nightly ritual of reading 5 verses from the Book of Mormon, I was finishing up the verse below.  The sweet boy on the left, Joaquin, asked me about "garments stained in blood".  We talked about symbolism, an abstract concept and very hard for him to wrap his 6yr old mind around.  Even though it was difficult for me and for him we did discuss it and I tried to put it in the most concrete terms as possible for him.  But what touched me most about this moment wasn't what we discussed but rather it was his question...he was listening!

Alma5:22 And now I ask of you, my brethren, how will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness? Behold, what will these things testify against you?

I've been reading to and with my children from the Book of Mormon since they were born.  Even as newborns I felt the spirit of this book would touch their spirits and plant the seed of testimony.  However, as you can imagine the older they have gotten the less I feel like they are listening.  Sometimes I have felt like giving up but instead I have pressed forward holding consistently to the word in hopes for a moment like this one.


A few nights later we were reading, same chapter just a few verses later 

Alma 5:39 And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now, who can deny this? Behold, I say unto you, whosoever denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil.

Same six year old and he wanted to know who "the devil" was.  It resulted in a wonderful discussion of the plan of salvation.  We talked about our life before we came to earth, why we are here on this earth and where we will live once we leave this earthly life.  I know he didn't get it all at that moment, but he was listening.  These are the best teaching moments of all because they spring from his questioning and interest. 

I am so grateful for the counsel of modern prophets, who have taught us to have family scripture study and for the precious, plain and simple truths of the Book of Mormon.  So plain and so simple that even a child can recognize them.


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