Mom, can you help me write in my journal?

Henry B. Eyring, a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and now a counselor to the prophet in the First Presidency, told of an experience where he felt impressed to record something in his journal. He felt like he needed to record the event and subsequent spiritual experiences for his children to read and to be strengthened by as they got older.

After hearing his talk, I felt a renewed sense of excitement about keeping a record of my own life. My enthusiasm for journaling must have rubbed off on Grant because he has decided that he too wants to write in his journal every day. Things have been going pretty well with Grant's journaling until tonight.

After I tucked him into bed he called out from his room, "Mom, can you help me write in my journal?" Frustrated that he didn't think of it sooner, I said. "Grant, if you want me to help you write in your journal each night you will have to think of it before I tuck you in and say Good Night." "But Mom" he said, "It's really important to me to write in my journal." What do you say to that? I said "OK, but you are going to have to wait until Spencer is asleep", "Fine," he said. Well, I took a little longer with Spencer than I planned, I fell asleep in my rocking chair with him in my arms. When I came to, all I could hear was silence. I quickly put Spencer into his crib and went into Grant's room. I found him asleep with his journal open and a pen nearby. He fell asleep waiting for me to help him write in his journal.

I feel so bad. Part of me thinks I need to teach him about timing. However, another part of me thinks, he's five and remembers daily to write in his journal. Isn't that pretty darn impressive? Perhaps, I could have put Spencer down for a minute to reinforce a great habit and work on timing another day. Another day and with another person...me.

I recorded the experience in Grant's journal so he can know when he is older how hard he tried each day to be a good boy when he was 5. And how not to respond when his child asks him for help in following the counsel of an apostle.

I hope from this point forward I respond cheerfully and helpfully when any child of mine needs help doing what he thinks is right. Not a proud moment. I was too busy trying to get everyone to bed so I could get to the laundry. :( I guess I need to slow down and listen to my children and the spirit a little more.

Oh, just a minute I heard the dryer buzz, gotta go. :)