Become as Little Children

OK, so I know this is my photo blog, but I've had something on my mind the past couple of days and I thought I'd share it.  And since this blog centers mainly around photos of my kids, I think it's appropriate here.  :)


I was recently reading a talk about one of the teachings of Jesus Christ.  The Savior was asked by His 

disciples who will be the greatest in the kingdom of God. In response Jesus said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)  The talk focuses on what it means to become as little children, and how having qualities like them can help us prepare to enter the kingdom of Heaven.  Below is a link to the talk.

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/become-as-a-little-child?lang=eng

As I read this I thought about my children, and what attributes they have that I need to try and emulate more in my life.  I first thought about my oldest son, who will turn 6 in a few days.  Almost anytime I am home, he wants to be with me.  If he is drawing dinosaurs or volcanoes, he wants me to draw them with him.  If he's playing with his Hotwheels cars, he wants me to have some as well to play with him.  If I'm going out for a run, he wants to go running with me.  If I'm just going to the store, he wants to be with me.  

As I considered how much my son wants to be with me, I wondered: how much do I want to be spending time with my Heavenly Father?  Am I looking for enough opportunities to spend with him?  For instance, am I spending time in prayer everyday and also keeping a prayer in my heart throughout they day?  Am I reading and pondering the scriptures and how the application of the principles taught in them can bring me closer to Him?  Am I reading and pondering the words of the current prophet and apostles?  Am I serving His children and about doing good?  Or, am I more content to follow after more selfish and worldly pursuits and entertainment? 

Also, my daughter, who will be 4 in about two more weeks, wants to do things that make me happy and make me proud of her.  For example, she constantly shows love by giving hugs and kisses and saying that she loves me and that I'm her best friend (she also says that to her mom and brother).  When she remembers something she is supposed to do, like eating over her plate or getting her pajamas on, she is looking for me to notice that and beams whenever I do notice.  She wants so much for me to be pleased with her.

How much do I want to please my Heavenly Father?  Do I make decisions and do good to others that will help Him be happy with me?  Do I try and keep His commandments so that I can show Him that I love Him and so that He will be pleased with me?  Or again, am I too centered on myself by focusing on selfish desires and wants?  

Of course there are many applications of the admonition of the Savior to become as little children, but these are just some of my thoughts from reading the article mentioned above.  I hope that maybe they can be of benefit to anyone who reads this.  I'm grateful for the teachings of the Savior.  I know that as I try to incorporate these teaching in the way I live everyday that the Lord will bless me and my family and prepare us for eternal life with Him.  I also know that when I fall short of these teachings, He is ready and willing to help me get back up and try again.