To Become Like a Child

Today I have really thought about how much of an example my children are to me.  My son just turned 12 a week and 2 days ago and he has accomplished so many great things in the last week.  He received the Priesthood last Sunday, attended Deacons last Sunday for the first time, got his recommend so he could attend the temple, went to a farewell party for him in his 11 year old Scouts, went to his first YM's activity on Wednesday, went to the Temple for his first time without either Rick or I with his older brother and cousin on Thursday morning at 4 a.m., went on his first campout with the Deacons and Teachers on Friday night, snowshoed  1 1/2 miles on that campout for the first time, passed the Sacrament for his first time today, shared his sweet and tender testimony in Sacrament Meeting without any prodding and then went out after church with his dad to do Fast Offerings for his first time.  He didn't ever express any fear, concern, nervousness or even sadness about moving onto the next things in his life.  Instead he did all of this with total excitement.  He has enjoyed every day and cherished each experience.  He has felt the spirit and is being such a great example to his brothers and his dad and mom.  
Then when we got home from church today my 2 youngest came to me and said they wanted to play a game together.  Usually I settle in for a nice Sunday afternoon nap soon after church or start going through my list of things that are Sunday appropriate that can be accomplished, but instead played an hour of games with my 2 youngest.  We were laughing and having so much fun.  They were such simple games, but there was so much joy found in the games and being together.  
I am so grateful for all four of my boys that teach me that there is much joy in becoming like a child.  My oldest for setting such an amazing example for the other ones and truly choosing the gospel as the center of his daily life.  My second one for going at each step of life with such joy and excitement and showing that there is nothing to fear and my two youngest for just enjoying the simple things in life.  There is so much happiness found in daily living our lives like children.  There was great wisdom from the Savior when he said to become like a child.    

---