“One morning while washing dishes I heard quarreling raging down the hallway from the living room.
Steven, our four-year-old had snatched a toy away from Timmy, who was bawling for its return. I felt unreasonable anger sweep over me, but knew I couldn’t sort out the problem while I felt like that, so I kept washing dishes, praying for guidance and a calm spirit.
When I felt calmer, I went to the living room, gathered Steven in my arms, and talked about what Jesus would want us to do, and what our Heavenly Father expects of us. But the more we talked, the tighter Steven clutched the toy.
Frustrated, I continued to pray, and suddenly Joseph Smith’s admonition to “teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves” came to my mind with new insight. I continued to explain the correct principle to Steven, feeling after the Spirit. All at once I felt he understood.
I stood back, confidently expecting him to hand the toy to his brother. Instead he climbed on his little bike and scooted out into the kitchen, around into the hallway and back into the the living room. Round and round he went, watching me intently.
I was disappointed and angry. I had tried to implement the Lord’s way but had not been successful. I wanted to force his obedience now, but remembered the second half of that principle: “let them govern themselves.” I stopped and waited. I knew I had taught him.
Steven continued riding his bike, watching me each time he zoomed past. Then he stopped, looked at me, climbed down from his bike, walked to Timmy, and handed back the toy.
Grinning, Steven raced to me and threw his arms around my neck. We laughed and hugged together; Steven dabbed at the tears running down my cheeks, and said, “We’re happy, aren’t we Mummy” We were!”
Kathy England, as quoted in You Can Have Happy, Obedient Children, by Don and Arda Christensen
LOVE IT!