The faith of a child

At the beginning of the school year, Carter and Tyler decided to participate in an after school activity called DestiNation ImagiNation. It is a great creative outlet. They have been working on skits and problem solving all school year in preparation for a competition. The parents have been told that they can listen to the students' ideas but they are not to give any input. This is to be based on the children's ideas completely. Tyler is taking part in a pirate story and Carter is the "lead mouse" in his skit. They have been very excited throughout the process.

Today I discovered that the competition is on a Sunday in March. We have always taught our children that Sunday is a special day that is set apart for worship and family time. The children have always been very respectful of this standard. They have never challenged it nor has it ever been challenged by the activities that we have chosen. I was sad today when I made the discovery of the competition date.

I called Ryan and told him of the date. At first, he said that we would have to miss it. I felt differently. I was open to the idea of letting them go. After all, it wasn't like it was a sports team that would require multiple Sunday commitments. It would be a one time participation. After some discussion, Ryan suggested that we leave it up to the boys to decide.

Tonight at dinner, the conversation turned to DestiNation ImagiNation. The boys had attended today and had a lot to tell us about their participation. I told the boys that I had found out that the competition was on a Sunday and Carter's face dropped. His eyes began to tear up and he said, "That means I can't do it." Ryan said, "Well, let's look at all the options." They began to discuss what a solution could be. Carter suggested that he could talk to his teacher, Ms. Elvrum, and see if he could have a friend take over his part at the competition. Another idea was that maybe he could go to the school after church to take part with his group (which would not work with our current schedule). He then considered that he could go to the competition and miss church on that day. Then Ryan offered that he make it a matter of prayer. He reminded Carter that he had received the gift of the Holy Ghost when he was baptized and he should take advantage of finding out the answer himself. Carter nodded, but the disappointment was still evident on his face.

Tyler, who had sat quietly the whole conversation, finally spoke up and said, "If it is on a Sunday, then I can't do it." And that was the end of his participation. There was no sadness. It was just very matter-of-fact.

Carter got up from the dinner table and went into the living room. He knelt down and prayed right then to find out an answer. When he returned to the kitchen, he seemed to be in a better mood. I looked at him with a puzzled look as if to question his change of attitude. He said, "I asked the question." I looked at him and asked, "Did you get an answer?" He smiled at me and said, "Not yet."

I am so proud of these boys for their faith. It is moments like these that make me believe that all our teaching is not in vain.