"Become as a Little Child" -- Jean A. Stevens

Well, I just wrote on this topic earlier, but I will continue forth.

In the world today, children are often viewed as an inconvenience, a burden, grubby, loud, and the lists goes on and on. But hear how Sister Stevens refers to them:

"These precious children of God come to us with believing hearts. They are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit. They exemplify humility, obedience, and love. They are often the first to love and the first to forgive."

Children, in her words, sound like angels from heaven -- because they are. We need to give our children opportunity for spiritual experiences because they are so connected to their Father in Heaven.

Sarah Motley and I used to baby-sit three kids and would bring them to church. They were not church members. During sacrament meeting, the oldest, Lorelei, at 5 years old, leaned over to me and asked, "Is God here? Is He in this room? Is He sitting in this chair?" She obviously felt the Spirit.

Sister Stevens poses a question:

"Could [a child's] sincere testimony and desire to follow the Lord's plan lead us to see more clearly what really matters most?"

In the small branch in Kenora, Ontario, Canada, there is a child whose faith and diligence made a huge difference.

Brother Wickham used to be a member of the church, but fell away sometime as a young father. He had two sons; each who had their own families. One son, Darcy, decided that he would drop off his son, Spencer, at nursury at the church on Sunday to give he and his wife a break. Come the next Sunday, Spencer was begging to go back to nursery again. And the next Sunday, and the next Sunday, and on and on. Finally, Darcy and his wife began to stay for the classes themselves, and eventually became converted and brought their dad back. Their dad, now President Wickham, is the Branch President, Darcy Wickham is the Young Men's President, and Sister Wickham is in the Primary Presidency. This strong family was able to come back to the church because of the faith of a child.

Thank heavens for the little children who help us remember what matters most.