The Challenge.

On New Year's Day, Sunday, our Bishop (the leader of our congregation) invited all the members to read the entire Book of Mormon.  He gave us all a road map to follow, roughly five chapters a week.   If we did this, we'd finish by December 1st.  This was a challenge I knew I could do on my own, easy.  This was not a challenge we could do as a family, easy. 

At scripture time each night we never read an entire chapter at once.  The older boys can handle it, the younger, not so much.  And I'm usually interrupting five million times to reiterate, teach, emphasize.  Sometimes, Ben huffs when I say,"Stop right there.  So, kids . . ."  We don't get far.  But even so, I'm hoping my kids are slowly grasping principles in addition to stories.  Quality, not so much quantity.  This challenge would test our endurance.

So, we had a family council.  I told the kids about how strongly I felt our family needed to participate AS A FAMILY.  That the Lord will help us read the scriptures in one year if we plug through an entire chapter each night.  I want so badly to offer our kids opportunities to do HARD things, so they know, if they work hard enough, they can do SO MUCH more than they think they can.

(I was so inspired when I heard about my nieces, 12 and 10, who ran a half-marathon in St. George and placed 1st and 2nd in their age groups.  They trained with their dad at 5 am, then practiced their piano for an hour after that, ALL before school.  That's HARD.  But, they did it.  They did it (and believe me, they were ready to be done).  Think of how strong that's made them?  Think about all they'll face as they become teenagers, and, because they've learned that they can do HARD things, are armed to face life's challenges.) 

Reading a chapter each night would be hard for us.  I'd have to be positive and patient.  Very patient.  But, I know we can do it.  If God asks, he prepares a way.

One week down, lots and lots to go.  One night, when it was especially long, I had the kids draw pictures as they listened.  Pictures of things they heard, pictures of characters and situations.  It worked.  I loved what they came up with so much that I'd like to try that every so often, and save their art.  Wouldn't it be fun to make a little book of our experience?

I know this promise from President Ezra Taft Benson, quoting Marion G. Romney, is true.  I want my kids to know it's true, too:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

So, here we go.  I'm am full of hope.  For now:).