"Have you ever been in a church meeting where there was NO doubt that the words the speaker were speaking were directed specifically for you? I have had this feeling in the past...but NOTHING like last night. Our stake hosted a women's fireside for all women 18 and older. It was wonderful! All the talks were filled with the spirit, but one in particular pierced my heart.
We have an amazing Stake President. He is so incredibly inspired and I always love his talks, but last night he was talking to ME. He started talking about our children. He asked if we have that ONE child who tries our patience, who if they aren't home the whole house is more peaceful, how sometimes they can drive us crazy with their antics....Then he started telling us about one of his sons (they have 4 boys and 1 girl). This boy was rambunctious, loud, busy, mischievous..and boy howdy did it sound familiar! But then he told us about a terrible accident his son had when he was almost 5 and how it changed his perspective about him and helped him to appreciate him more. He also recalled all the great qualities this boy has...and talked about how he recently received his mission call as well as his patriarchal blessing.
We have an amazing Stake President. He is so incredibly inspired and I always love his talks, but last night he was talking to ME. He started talking about our children. He asked if we have that ONE child who tries our patience, who if they aren't home the whole house is more peaceful, how sometimes they can drive us crazy with their antics....Then he started telling us about one of his sons (they have 4 boys and 1 girl). This boy was rambunctious, loud, busy, mischievous..and boy howdy did it sound familiar! But then he told us about a terrible accident his son had when he was almost 5 and how it changed his perspective about him and helped him to appreciate him more. He also recalled all the great qualities this boy has...and talked about how he recently received his mission call as well as his patriarchal blessing.
Then he said the line that really affected and changed me, "If you have one of these children...know that you are holding greatness in your hands. They have the potential to change the world."
Now I was sitting on the stand (with the stake YW presidency..I'm the secretary) and I had been crying on and off throughout the fireside (I'm pregnant remember). When he said that I literally had to hold back the sobs and stop the "ugly cry" from coming on. That statement hit me like a ton of bricks.
How grateful I am to have had a complete shift in perspective. I know this about my 3rd son deep down, but sometimes seeing the potential in him gets buried in all the day to day stuff, in the potty accidents, in the drawing on the walls, in the yelling (his..not mine), in the aggression. But I also know this boy has the determination, the energy, the charisma and the personality to change the world. My job is not to change him but find a way to channel all that energy and enthusiasm in the right direction. I have to say I cannot wait to sit in on this boys patriarchal blessing!
Then, last night, at Relief Society a sister was speaking about her children and their different struggles. She spoke of one of her daughters and how strong willed she is. Then she said,"Satan really wants to get the strong ones." Once again, I felt like my prayers were being answered.
Not that all of my girls are not strong, but this one in particular possesses such an amazing and magnetic personality. She really could change the world because she had a way of drawing people to her. She has such an amazing heart. I guess, like Cheryl, I have realized that I need to help her see the potential she has and know deep down what is true and right.
Then, last night, at Relief Society a sister was speaking about her children and their different struggles. She spoke of one of her daughters and how strong willed she is. Then she said,"Satan really wants to get the strong ones." Once again, I felt like my prayers were being answered.
Not that all of my girls are not strong, but this one in particular possesses such an amazing and magnetic personality. She really could change the world because she had a way of drawing people to her. She has such an amazing heart. I guess, like Cheryl, I have realized that I need to help her see the potential she has and know deep down what is true and right.
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