Mark (7) shared his testimony in sacrament meeting a couple months ago.
He did it again last month.
Both of them have been sincere and good. Karen and I talked about whether or not we should talk to him about the frequency. I remember one ward we were in and a young man got up like clock work every fast Sunday and bore his testimony. It lost its impact, if you will, after a while. Now I'm in the shoes of that young man's parents and I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle it.
To make things harder, I asked Mark this morning why he's been sharing his testimony the past few months. He responded, "To prepare for my baptism."
How can I dispute that? How could I possibly then say, "I think you need to tone it down a bit...don't prepare yourself quite so much."
Now picture this. It's fast Sunday during sacrament meeting and I'm refusing to make eye contact with Mark (for fear he might be encouraged to come up to the stand). As the first woman concludes her testimony, I see out of the corner of my eye 3 tiny people crowding the stand...blocking the woman's exit. Mark (7), Anya (6), and James (5). They squirm around a bit and decide that James will go first. James looks at me and asks for help.
I shook my head and quietly said "no." His bottom lip started to pucker and I placed him on my lap. I motioned for the others to go. So Mark shared his testimony, followed by Anya. Anya held onto the microphone just right so there was a high-pitched squeal at the conclusion of her testimony. James didn't want to go anywhere. But he didn't cry or make a scene...so I was very grateful. He sat with me for about 15 minutes and finally went back to sit with the family.
We've been taught numerous times that testimony meeting in Sacrament is not the time to practice helping our children. We do that at home and in Primary. So it was hard to tell my child no. He asked for my help. He wanted to do something good...and I told him no. It was hard, but I knew it was the right thing (I just hope I didn't permanently scar James).
Everything turned out fine. James is A.O.K. As I walked James to Primary I explained why I couldn't help him and he was satisfied.
But here's where I'm soliciting your advice. Whether you're a parent or not...I'm curious how you would handle our situation with Mark. Karen and I talked to him this afternoon about what a testimony is...and how most people share it when moved upon by the Spirit...and how there are lots of other people who may want an opportunity to share their testimony (to which he replied, "that's why I keep mine short"). It was a productive conversation because we got to talk about the feelings of the Spirit. From a 7 year old perspective, this is probably no big deal. I could tell him most anything and he'd be ok. But as a dad, I worry about how the choices I make will impact my children 20 years from now.
What would you say or do if this were your 7 year old?
4 comments:
i think I'm glad I don't have a 7 yr old...or a puckered-lipped James.
Very sweet and I know we talked about this after "month 2". How do you dispute it when he "gets it" and seems to understand?
I vote you the FHE before the next fast Sunday you have a testimony meeting...and make a point of saying "it's so Mark can prepare for his baptism".
That's all I've got.
LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Okay, where is the problem? Are you really worried about Mark getting up each week and somehow the testimony is no longer a testimony to those listening or are you worried that people might be rolling their eyes and say things like, "there goes that Christensen kid again"? If it is the latter, don't worry about that.
Yes, it can get irritating when the same person gets up each month and you can place your money on it but I think with a child it's very different especially if they are being completely sincere and doing it all on their own.
My problem comes in when the kids are being "told" what to say by parents. We get that alllllll the time in our Ward and that's when I roll my eyes.
Don't discourage him at all from doing this each month as long as he's doing it on his own.
Just to let you know, a Bishop actually suggested to Scott at one time, that he was attending the temple too much and guess what that's done! DON'T DO THAT!! He's very much aware of what he's doing and he IS doing it for the right reason!
Love you!
Wow...thanks Holly. Your comments really help.
And yes, I AM worried about what others will think. Which is something I've been fighting my whole life.
Mark came up with this all on his own and is doing it for a very good reason. I don't want to discourage it.
I'll try to get over MY issues!
Thanks for this personal post. What a joy to hear about the growth of grandchildren and my own children. You are doing just fine. I am at a loss to offer suggestions.
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