Relief Society Lessons - Lessons in Life

I taught a lesson yesterday in Relief Society (a class for women in our church).  It was on Raising our Children in Truth and Light.  Yes, most of my children have moved out of our home and are on their way to making their own lives, but there are still times when I as a mother and grandmother can teach them.

This lesson was a teaching of one of the Prophets.  It was by Joseph Fielding Smith.  He talked about his love for his father and what a blessing his father's influence had been, but he also gave thanks for his mother and told of what a great woman she had been and how he had been taught at her knee.  It then spoke of how his daughter felt about President Smith, and how he used to walk her to school when it was possible teaching her truths along the way.

The lesson progressed and gave 7 things that we as parents need to do to help our children.

1. Set a righteous example.  How can our children know how to be if we don't show them?
2. Begin teaching them when they are young.  I know they are small, but they aren't stupid.  They understand more that we realize!
3. Teach children to pray.  This is so important that they know that they can communicate with our Heavenly Father.  He loves them and will answer their prayers.
4. Introduce children to the Scriptures.  These are Heavenly Father's words.  We all need to read them.
5. Hold Family Home Evening.  This can be not only fun times, but spiritual times too.  This brings unity.  In the lesson it says, "Parent's who ignore the great help of this program are gambling with the future of their children."  WOW, who would want to do that with the lives of their children?
6. Teach virtue, chastity and morality.  We all know the pitfalls of not teaching this to our children. 
7. Prepare our children to be witnesses of the truth and to serve missions.  I loved how it stated that our children are a choice and chosen generation that have a divine destiny.  They will be the ones to usher in the second coming of our Savior.

At times teaching this lesson I know I fell short in teaching my own children.  I'm sure everyone has. But I also know that we do the best we can with what we know.  I know my parents did.  They taught me a love of the Gospel, a great work ethic, and how to be honest.  And I am so grateful to them.  

As I reflected on this lesson and the opportunity it gave me pause to think on what has been and what I can still do.  I feel so grateful for the life that I have lived so far and for the difference that I can still make.  I am truly grateful!!