This is THAT POST..... the one that I promised about Palmyra. For those of you who share my faith, much of this background and history will be review. For those of you readers who don't know much about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this will give you a little primer to the experiences that led to the modern-day Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is my hope that this doesn't come across heavy-handed to any of my readers; it is not meant that way. This was simply a wonderful experience that I shared with my family this summer and one that built my testimony. If any of you have any questions about the Church, please feel free to ask me or go to http://mormon.org/.
In 1820, a young boy by the name of Joseph Smith, Jr. was troubled by the religious fervor sweeping over the country. It seemed as though everyone had their own idea of who God was, and what He wanted. In Joseph's young mind, none of these competing versions of religion seemed right. While reading in the New Testament, specifically in James 1:5, he read:
5 aIf any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that cgiveth to all men liberally, and dupbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
This was the big thing that started it all. There's much more written about the Prophet Joseph and the Church he restored to the earth, but it all began in a quiet grove of trees in Palmyra, New York. He asked God in faith and he was answered in a vision.
We took the kids to see the Sacred Grove. It was awesome! It was a very humbling and moving experience; very different than I imagined it would be and yet exceeded every expectation I had.
I think I spent a lot of time thinking and pondering about my experience in the Sacred Grove. I learned the historical facts behind the experience and was looking forwards to feeling the Spirit in such an idyllic setting. I was also very excited to share this experience with my girls. I'm going to be totally honest; I knew this wasn't going to be the highlight of the boys' trip. In fact, Matt actually took them from the Grove and spent most of his time playing with them in the Visitor's Center parking lot. I was thrilled to be able to spend some quiet time in reflection with Erin and Allie.
My experience in the Sacred Grove was very metaphorical. To begin with, it was much larger than I thought it would be. The Church owns the site and has left the grove of trees much the way it would have been in Joseph's day. There are now a series of trails and a number of benches where visitors can stop for reflection.
After Matt had left with the boys, I found myself with the girls surrounded by old growth forest; it was beautiful. There was no noise made our feet as we walked down the path and the sounds of everyday life faded away so that we could sit and be still.
I was struck by the contrast of the experience with my two daughters. They are so close in age, but as time has passed, their paths have started to diverge. Allie is very much my little shadow, staying with me wherever I go. She is very trusting, and I hope to always be worthy of that trust. Erin, on the other hand, has reached a point in her life that she finds herself compelled to strike out on her own. When Allie wanted to pause and reflect, Erin wanted to forge on ahead, down the path.
It struck me as an important moment to remember. Of course, with Allie being the younger and more cautious of the girls, I stopped with her and let Erin go on ahead. After some time, I couldn't see her anymore and I knew that she'd be on her own to find her way out. I was not worried; this girl can do anything! But I did find it a little representative of my parenting experience here on earth. When these precious little people come into our lives, we have to show them everything and teach them correct principles. I am the first to admit that I have many shortcomings as a mother and will forever trying to make up for them to my kids; but as I was sitting there, I was reminded of the scripture in Proverbs 22:6 that reads:
6 aTrain up a bchild in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
I have been trying my darndest to train up these children, and despite being some square pegs in round holes, they continue to amaze me -- in spite of my shortcomings.
Allie and I left the Grove; knowing that at some point, Erin would follow us, but that she would have to find her own way. Now, there signs marking the exit from the Grove, but you have to be paying attention (not one of Erin's strong suits these days.) As I predicted, she found herself lost and alone inside this beautiful forest. Although she was not scared, she did realize the need for her to rejoin our family so that we could be about the rest of the days activities. When she found us later, she told us of her experience of the prayer she said to help her find her way out. I'm certain that she would have found her way out eventually, but I am so pleased to know that when she came to a crossroads, she asked Lord for guidance and was shown which path she should follow. More than that, that she actually followed it!
This whole experience in Palmyra was very faith-affirming. It gave me peace to know how my life has been blessed because of the prayer of a young boy. I felt comfort in knowing that my children are learning and growing despite my shortcomings as a parent. I was grateful to learn of the trust that Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Smith had in their young son. They believed him and supported him when it would have been so much easier to disregard his message. I am hopeful that I can try to be the kind of mother who gives her children the knowledge they need and the freedom to choose for themselves.
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