When I picked Ian up from school this afternoon his teacher pulled me aside for a second. She explained to me that Ian and a buddy had decided to have a marker fight instead of writing their letters on the white board. He had to sit out part of recess as a punishment, but she assured me he was very good the rest of the day.
When we got home I talked with Ian about listening to his teacher and obeying with exactness.
He began to cry, "Mom, I'm never gonna be a stripling warrior now."
For those of you not familiar, there is a story in the Book of Mormon about a group of young men who volunteer into the army to protect the freedom of their fathers and mothers. They are described in this way.
"And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all-they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him." Alma 53:20-21
They are involved in a deadly battle in which many people are killed, but their unit eventually is responsible for the victory.
"Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them." Alma 57:21
We talk with our boys often about striving to become men like these stripling warriors were. It broke my heart to hear the disappointment in Ian's voice and see the slump of his shoulders. I took him on my lap and kissed the top of his head. "Sweet boy, you are closer than you think."
There is another great reference to these young men in Alma 56:47
9 comments:
Such expression in his eyes! You're quite the photographer.
Cute kid and great mom. I get more and more excited to see you guys everyday. Let you kids know that Uncle Daniel expects them to be ready to have a good time.
Tell my little man that he will always be Shauna's stripling warrior because of his prayers, hugs, and the I love yous I get each week!!! Those are the things true stripling warriors do!!!!
If this isn't the cutest story ever, I am not sure what is! Love it!
that is the sweet thing ever!
One of the sweetest stories ever! Thanks for sharing.
Will you give him a hug for me as well. Sweet boy!
I LOVE this story! I used it in my YW lesson on Sunday!
Can't wait to see you in a few days.
I teared up. So sweet.
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