5.21.2008

Kids are the Best

One of our Primary boys [just turned 10] spent the past week in the Dell Children's Hospital here in Austin. He was diagnosed with a severe bone infection (osteomyelitis) in his foot and had to come home with an IV, through which his parents will administer antibiotic treatments 5x a day for the next month or so. I hear these treatments last about an hour each time. Needless to say, their lives changed pretty quickly and dramatically.

He is doing well but there will be no more school for him this year, no sports, and lots of care needed. He has 2 younger brothers [one is 8 and the other is 3] and I feel for all of them. So I decided to address it with the children in Primary.

I had the 8 year old tell the Sr. Primary about what had happened to his brother, describe a little bit of what he's gone through and will continue to deal with, and then I talked with the children about remembering both the boy and his family in their prayers. When it came time for the closing prayer, one sweet little 7 year old boy offered the most loving, tender prayer I've heard in a long time. He was specific about asking for blessings for the boy and his family and it was clear he had listened and heard as we talked about it. I know Heavenly Father had to be touched to be approached by a loving little boy who cared so much about one of his Primary friends.

Later, at our presidency meeting, my secretary told us that her son [age 10] had come home and talked about it too. At dinner time, he came down and announced that he was going to fast "because he needs me to fast for him more than I need to eat dinner." And he did. They remembered him in their family prayers later on as well.

Once again, I'm overwhelmed by these children. These are such strong, valiant children who really want to do good and to be good. And they are doing so much good.

I'm proud to be even a small part of their lives. Can you imagine how Heavenly Father must feel?

*picture via flickr

13 comments:

Seth, Sarah and the kids said...

that is so beautiful, Jan. what wonderful kids you have in your primary. it really does amaze me how aware and tender our children are. they 'get' and understand a lot more than we think....i will keep that little guy in my prayers, too!

Chris and Tara Mason said...

I think it is great when children actually have something/someone serious to pray about - it teaches them to be sincere and to think of other things/people rather than themselves. When we found out about Sam, Daniel started praying for people instead of things he wanted all of the time. This has gone on for 6 months - it has really changed his outlook on prayer and its purpose!
It's great that your kids are rallying behind that cute boy! We will keep him in our prayers too!

Jori said...

I love to listen to kids pray. They are so sweet and heart felt. You know they are going straight from their mouths to God's ears.

Emily John said...

Kids are so close to the spirit. It's awesome to see their faith and hear their prayers

Ashley said...

That is the BEST post I have ever read. The Church is in great hands. Thank you so much for posting this.

Unknown said...

good kids, for sure. that's awesome.

hoLLy said...

i love how that little boy wanted to fast for his friend:) children have so much to teach us!

is the boy(who had to go to the hospital)someone joey and i would know? i was just curious who it was when i read your post.

Mia said...

Jan what a touching story. Children and their tender spirits are so amazing.

Darleen said...

Oh dear...I'm in tears. Children are so sensitive and truly loving. I will include that little boy in my prayers also.

Mel said...

That is just amazing! I love it when kid's pray, they're so sincere.

tiburon said...

How sweet. My sister had that when she was little. It is nasty!

I love listening to kids pray too. :)

The Liddells said...

I hope that I am just like you someday! You are so sweet and such a great example! Thank you. I will miss seeing you each Sunday!

Sandy said...

What a touching story. Those kids are so very lucky to have you guiding and teaching them. It definitely proves that you are getting through to them. Love it!