Sunday, December 6, 2009

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

It wasn't until after Church today that I realized it would be my last fast and testimony meeting in the Georgetown ward before leaving for BYU Idaho.

The spiritual significance of the day, however, was quite clear to me. Especially when a certain boy named Jakob, no more than 11 years of age perhaps, happened to suddenly appear at the podium. I was immediately drawn to where he was standing. Oh, you could see it in his eyes.

It wasn't one of those deals where a parent prods his or her little child to get up and bear their testimony so that they can get used to doing so in Church. No, he had gotten out of his seat next to Bro. Tew and walked right up.

And what he said struck me to the very core. He was just so genuine, you could feel it in the way he talked, the look in his eyes, his animated movements. He simply bore a short testimony of his gratitude for his eternal family and for those in the ward. That's it. No fan-fare.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and they do even now as I think about it. If there's one thing I'm going to remember when I'm away from my home, it's that.

Thank you, Little Tew. Thank you, and God Bless you.

5 comments:

Walker Wright said...

Testimonies like that are great. I am very much opposed to parents whispering the child's supposed testimony in their ear.

This reminded me of a discussion I recently had with my wife about raising our children and different approaches to teaching the gospel in an increasingly secular world.

This in turn reminded me of your request about an email on atheism you mentioned in my comments. When are you going to shoot it at me?

Tony said...

Yes, it is nothing short of incredible how little children can be moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Seems they are more receptive than we are half the time. Really humbling for me.

Alicia said...

We had a little 5yr. old do the same thing last Sunday. No help from anyone, he went up on his own and bore a wonderful testimony. He said it so simply, "Well it's Christmas time and well, you know who Christ is.. well He was born in a manger. The innkeepers didn't let Him in and well it was Jesus and well Jesus was resurrected...and well it's Christmas..." Everybody in the congregation was so amazed by this little boy. Kids ROCK!!

Gretchen said...

Thanks for the kind words on my photos! Ohio is awesome, to bad I don't live there haha!

Merry Christmas and God bless!
-G

Sees-the-day said...

Tony,
Good luck in Idaho. I am excited for you. Keep in touch ok.
We will miss you. Glad we have blogs and FB to still keep in touch.
Best wishes,
Eva