I had no clue how to respond, so I took a deep breath.
Was this a time that I needed to hold her accountable? To teach her about rules and consequences? To help her learn and grow a little bit more?
Or was this a time that my little girl needed my grace and immediate forgiveness? A break? Compassion, fun, ignorance, and distraction?
My brain quickly scanned through everything I know about child development, from what I’d learned in college courses, my teaching experience, and even parenting social media accounts.
I honestly couldn’t figure out which way was the best way to go in the moment.
And then I remembered, for the millionth time, that I could ask for the Spirit to guide me.
The Spirit could tell me what was best in that moment, for this exact daughter of God.
I didn’t have to tough it out with my knowledge alone.
I could certainly use my knowledge, but also call upon the Spirit to give me the nudge in the right direction.
These thoughts were all flying through my head in the split second following my daughter’s poor decision.
And so I closed my eyes, said a quick prayer, and felt one option come to mind, with a few specific changes.
Having the Spirit with us constantly is THE biggest blessing I could ever hope for.
The constant, personalized, and godly guidance, comfort, and impressions are my lifeline to heaven.
That is the point of partaking of the sacrament each week.
To repent and change our hearts in the ways that we need so that we can qualify to ALWAYS have the Spirit with us again.
That is what makes the sacrament so essential, and what makes our Savior’s great atoning sacrifice so profoundly important.
We need to have completely pure intent in order to feel Divine guidance in our lives.
And we need to have that reset every single week in order to turn us back to the Savior.
Having the Spirit with us is the best gift that we have been given – and so we have to do our part to re-qualify each week, and then call on that heavenly guidance.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
One Response
My ex husband came to visit. He has a traumatic brain injury that requires very heavy doses of antipsychotic medications. As a result it is like having a very large toddler in my home. I am a clean freak and his constant drooling, spilling food and drinks and inadequate hygiene are very distressing. Because of COVID his stay had to be extended. One day I distinctly heard “he is a child of God with behavior he can’t control, treat him with love and respect”. “Don’t chastise him and belittle him but remind him as you would a child”. I am so glad the Spirit spoke to me. I forgot that he has feelings also and he is my eternal companion. I now gently and lovingly prompt him to bathe and get his area tidy. It still hurts to see him struggle but I remember his trials are just more visible than perhaps mine.