These are the words one sister shared while I gave the Relief Society lesson on Joseph Smith. Little did she know the drowning I was feeling. "God could have sent him to any home, but he chose a poor family, struggling to make ends meet with more children than could fit in that house; look what became of it! One of the most accomplished men in history save Jesus Christ." These words penetrated to my very core and no doubt spoke specifically to me.
At work I was in charge of the assignment to get the registration packets out and had to fill them with the proper amount of supplies based on how many children are in each family. Not only do I have the most kids out of any in that school, most families have one or two children there. I began to feel that I had too many children and how could I properly work with and teach them all. How much more can these families with two children help, tutor and even meet the needs of their children verses me trying to with six? I was overwhelmed, discouraged and drowning even.
Upon hearing these words I remembered an epitome I had while I was at Disneyland for the first time with four children, just after Justin was born and Alexis just turned six. I noticed how easy it was for people with one or two children to get onto the buses, rides and even afford the souvenirs and the enticing Disney treats at every corner. While one or two children enjoyed their own six dollar cotton candy, our little family of six had to share one. Were my children unfortunate? The spirit taught me a lesson that I had almost forgotten. What is created when a child gets everything he/she wants? One or two children are not a bad thing, don't mistaken my thoughts. It's the objective that some parents have that becomes harmful. Many modern parents see parenting as the ability to give that child everything/opportunities life has to offer and so only limit to having one or two to make that possible. This is where the danger lies. It does a child good to go without, be told no and to struggle. That is what life is and the first commandment God gave to Adam and Eve-to work that they might have joy. It was an endearing moment when I realized that through these little moments lessons of sharing, unselfishness, cooperation and family unity were developing. Likewise, it was a priceless reminder that Sunday that my children will be okay. I can only do what I can do and the grace of Jesus will make up for the rest.
Could it be that Joseph Smith was taught those same lessons in a little Cabin, bursting at the seams on a farm in New York? On the same lines, Christ could have been sent to any home, a castle even. He was a king after all. Yet, God chose to send him to a blue collared working class family with many children and getting through each day.
I am thankful for these reminders and for the spirit by which they come.
