I watched this sweet video on lds.org and it made be think of the commitment we sometimes have to make in order to help others. In this story, a group of men commit to serve a women with MS every evening for the foreseeable future (so far they have helped her every night for seven years). The men in the story talk about trying to serve her without making that huge obligation, but they get inspiration from one man who exclaims that he will do it by himself if he needs to.
Here's what I learned from this story to help you with your commitment to Family Scripture Study: 1) Leading Family Scripture Study is a lifelong commitment. Sometimes this feels overwhelming, but we can do it one day at a time. 2) We can be inspired by the example of others. Seeing the success of others can help to keep you going. 3) When we serve others, we make ourselves happy. Remember that leading Family Scripture Study is service. Begin to notice how this service makes you happy. 4) As you work to make your Family Scripture Study a success, you will find that your scripture "muscles" will grow, blessing you personally as well as your family. 5) Don't try to do it all alone. These men all pitched in together to serve. Find a way to spread the responsibility (and blessings). 6) Even though the men felt awkward and burdened at first, they came to love their job. Work your way through the awkward stage until you and your family love scripture study time!
I went to a baptism this weekend, where a young father was getting baptized and the person I was there to support was the mother of his wife. About 21 years ago, I was this young wife. Sitting at this baptism, I began to shift my perspective from mine to that of my mother as I put myself in the shoes of my friend. I could see the love she had for her daughter and the joy for her son-in-law's new commitment to the gospel. I began to imagine how my mom must have felt at my husband's baptism. Oh, how things change with perspective. When was the last time you looked at your family scripture study from the perspective of your kids? Instead of getting frustrated that they won't sit still, won't listen, won't be reverent, have you taken the time to consider why? Put yourself in your toddler's shoes (if she will put them on today) and consider how she feels during study time. Is she included? Does she learn? Is she bored? How about your young elementary child? Does he have a hard time sitting still? What if you let him move about during study time? Why if he could draw or build while you read? Does he get frustrated with the difficult words? Are you patient while he sounds out new words? I know, what about your teen? She is bored to tears waiting for the little one to figure out how that the word still says "people" for the third time. How can you include her? Have you asked her what she needs? Is she learning anything? What could she do to help? How could a change in perspective change your scripture study tonight?
