Love this quote from Elder Bednar: "In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.
Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes."
What strength and motivation his words give me... I've thought so much recently about helping my children put on the armor of god... We are strict about wearing helmets and shoes while using bikes, scooters and roller blades. Seat belts are non-negotiable. My children don't play in the front yard due to my fear or stranger danger and speeding cars. My doors are always locked, especially when I'm home. We take so many safety precautions to ensure our safety.
Am I as diligent to arm my children with the armor of God on a daily basis? Would I let them walk into battle without their breastplate, sword, shield, helmet and other protective gear? Absolutely not! I need to be unrelenting in efforts to arm my children against spiritual dangers. Starting with prayers... we are good to pray before Doug goes to work and again right before bed. But I don't think my children are in a good habit of saying their personal prayers. We read the scriptures nightly too... but let's think about the quality here. I definitely think we could be doing more discussion about what we've read. We could require our readers read the verses or at least read along.
Elder Bednar's article gives me strength that my efforts are not in vain. I love the imagery of one small stroke contributing to the whole. Such great motivation.Why would I send my children out in the cold hard world (school) without arming them with the spiritual armor of God. The armor that will protect them from the temptations and the cunning plan of the evil one?
The armor of daily personal and family scripture study and personal and family prayer. Lots of hugs and encouragement so they know and remember that they are loved and accepted at home, by their earthly and heavenly parents. Weekly family home evening with extra instruction. Daily testimonies from mom and dad testifying of various truths.
I need to evaluate our routine, and make sure that my kids are armed daily with the protective Armor of God. I place high priority on piano practice, and homework. I need to place an even higher priority on putting on the Armor of God.
