A Child's Prayer

Recently I've been feeling so discouraged about all the things in the world that brings so much sadness: lies, pornography, violence, immorality, abuse, political corruption, greed, etc.  In a way, I've sort-of given up: "nothing's going to change until the Second Coming so that's what I'm praying for," has been my mantra.  And yet, I've been humbled by some recent talks and testimonies, and I've felt impressed that if the Lord hasn't given up on us, then I shouldn't give up either.  There are still plenty of good people, even if it seems like the adversary continues to "one-up" the faithful.

So I continue to do the best that I can and realize that even if I can't change THE world, I can change MY world.  I can be a better wife, a better mother, a better visiting teacher, a better friend.  I can be speak more kindly, have more grace, and exhibit more charity.  I can pray more, study the scriptures more, and minister more in my church callings. And I can teach my child, the rising generation, how to love God and love her neighbor.

Each night we read scriptures as a family, have family prayer, and then Lydia and I pray together before she gets in her bed.  I've been trying to encourage her to say her own prayers, and tonight I decided to try fill-in-the-blank.

Me: Dear Heavenly ...

Lydia: Father; 

Me: We thank Thee for this ...

Lydia: food ...

Me: Thank Thee for ...

Lydia: food ...

Me: Thank Thee for Mommy and ...

Lydia: Daddy,

Me: Thank Thee for Grandma and ...

Lydia: Grandpa ... and Grandma,

Me: Thank Thee for ...

Lydia: food.

Me: In the name of ....

Lydia:  Jesus ... Christ ... amen.

I love that my daughter, who isn't even two, knows how to pray.  She may not be able to do it by herself, but I guarantee that she knows who we are talking to and what we are doing.  It's moments like this that give me hope for the world: hope that these children that we are raising will grow up and fix the things that their parents and grandparents screwed up; hope that when the Lord does come again, the earth will not be "utterly wasted."  Perhaps most of all, it gives me hope that while I am a far cry from motherhood perfection, I am doing my best and that is enough.  There is still good in the world, and it doesn't matter that Satan has won so many victories.  When all is said and done, he will weep and wail and gnash his (albeit non-existent) teeth, because the Master will reclaim his own.  In the end, God will play the trump card, and oh what a mighty trump card it is.