And We Think They Don't Listen

Our Family Night Usually:
Clint comes home. Kids are screaming. House is messy. Wife is grumpy, but trying not to be so we can have a good family night. Lesson: "It is important to obey because it shows we love Heavenly Father. What does it mean to Obey?" Kids: "To listen to our parents." Parents: "Why is it important?" Kids: "Because we love Heavenly Father." Parents: Okay it is time to go to bed." One second later, Kids are running around and hitting each other. No one listens, we chase them. They cry. Somehow we drag them to bed. We're tired, but we love them anyway.

Tonight's Family Night:
Clint comes home and gives me a hug. David, 3 years old, says "Dad, Me and Annie and Matthew were in heaven when you got married." We're surprised at his level of understanding, "Wow, we didn't know you knew that." Annie, 5 years old adds, "Yeah, we were in the Premortal Existence." Clint and I look at each other even more surprised--we just barely figured out what that was ourselves :) "Okay Kids, we are going to have a little lesson. We are going to learn about the Godhead." "Do you know who is in the Godhead kids?" Annie: "We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost." Clint is shocked because he just memorized that one last year :) Megan: "Annie, do you know who created the world?" Annie: "Heavenly Father and Jesus. They just had a big meeting in heaven and figured everything out." Tonight we realized that kids really do listen sometimes more than we think. Their understanding is so clear and uncomplicated. It all makes sense to them--much more on some levels than it does to us. We have a lot to learn from children. (We also are grateful tonight for good primary teachers).