Be a Light

I really love being a mother.
My kids are totally rad and I love them very much.

Right now, I am the most important influence in their lives. What I teach them, what I expose them to, the words I say, the example I set....this is all they know. I am their truth, their constant, their safety, their stability, their reality.

That's a lot of responsibility.

Every year, we have a little 'back to school' family party, where we introduce our family theme for the school year. Last year, our theme was, "I Can".
This year, we invited a few friends to join us and participate in the lesson. We had so much fun!

The Willardson 2011 theme is: Be a Light

We met at Lake Ann for a bike ride/princess dress up parade, then we gathered under the pavillion and I gave this simple, but hopefully meaningful lesson:

Ye are the Light of the World

A long time ago, before airplanes, boats were used to travel across the sea. With no land visible to use as landmarks, the sailors could look to the stars for guidance to help them know where they were. The North Star in particular was very important to sailors, and without it, it would be easy for them to get lost at sea. How would it feel to be stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean, with no light around to tell you which direction to get you safely home?

I showed the children several other objects that provide a source of light.

-a flashlight can light up a path for ourselves.

-a candlelight can provide light when disaster strikes and causes us to unexpectedly lose power.

-the glow of the fireplace can give us warmth and comfort.

-we could not live without the sun. It gives us constant, predictable light every single day.

-a traffic light keeps us safe and provides direction

-a light bulb is a light that we need every day, even for little things that we take for granted, because without the lightbulb, these tasks would be very difficult.

-lights on a storefront or house can make us feel welcome and invited.

-a nightlight provides comfort in darkness and protection from fear and lonliness.

-the flashing lights on an ambulence mean that help is on the way for people who are struggling.

Jesus Christ said, "Ye are the Light of the World. (Matthew 5:14)"

What does that mean? How are you a light?

How can you be a light to others?

What kind of light do you want to be?

What does example mean?

Who is the perfect example for how we should live our lives?

Each of us has the Light of Christ within us. When we follow the example of Jesus Christ, make righteous choices, and try to be like Him, that Light glows stronger and can lead others unto Him. We can learn and come to know our Savior through studying the scriptures and listen to the counsel of prophets who testify of Him.

This year, at school, and everywhere you go, try to think of the example Jesus has set for you. Be a shining example by standing for what you know is right. Let the Light of Christ grow brighter within you and bring you and those around you closer to Him, and let His love make this year a great one. I testify that Christ's love will provide all the light you need to guide you through darkess, sadness, confusion, or any troubles that you will face this year. He is always there for you, even if you feel lost or alone like the sailors traveling across the dark ocean long ago. You only need to look for light to get back on the right course.

After the lesson, we turned off the lights to the pavillion and the real magic began. We sent 10 sky lanterns (like in the movie, Tangled--hence the princess dresses on the little girls!) I will post a zillion pictures tomorrow, but here is a quickie video of the fun. Thanks Kasey for taking great pics and documenting the evening for us!

Perfect evening.
Well, until we were packing up to leave and Reese accidently crossed a wasps nest and was stung on her finger. I put some mud on it and that pacified her until we got home and she selected a Buzz Lightyear bandaid...because it fit our Light theme. Quincy and Corbin both gave her kisses and helped her feel better. Mud and Buzz have nothing on sibling love.

They make my life brighter.
I love you, sweet children. Shine on.