Son Study (Part 1?)

In preparation for Isaac's upcoming baptism, I decided to read through Gospel Principles together. We read a little each night on my phone, lying on his bed. It has been a good experience so far, and I feel like the decision was an inspired one.

Last night Aaron expressed his envy at not having special reading time of his own. I decided that, beginning tonight, we would read through the children's scripture stories in the same manner.

So, after we passed through the excited reaction, we started with the Old Testament. The first story is "Before the Old Testament," which recounts the council in heaven and ensuing conflict of ideas. I didn't really think much of it during the reading (having heard the story countless times before), but after we finished my little boy piped up with some questions.

"When he wasn't chosen, why was Lucifer angry? Why didn't he just say 'okay' and follow Jesus?"

So, we discussed how Lucifer wanted glory and attention for himself and this made him angry at not being chosen, and he tried to get others to follow him.

"If I had been there and I had presented a plan and Heavenly Father chose Jesus, I would have said 'okay' and followed his plan instead," he responded. He said he would have tried to help other people follow Jesus once his plan hadn't been chosen.

At this point, I pointed out that he had in fact been there for the presentation of the plans. His eyes widened a bit. "Really?" Although this is not the first time we have discussed the topic, I guess he was feeling more connected to the events. I asked him if he knew who he had chosen to follow. "Jesus," he replied with confidence.

I told him that just like he had chosen to follow Jesus then, we all could choose to follow Jesus now and try to help others choose to follow him too. He told me when he goes on a mission it will be to China, because one of his friends told him only 1% of the Chinese had ever heard of Jesus Christ.

Before we read tonight, I had almost decided due to the late hour to postpone the reading for another day. Instead I had a choice experience that I hope to repeat as we discuss other topics. I have enjoyed being able to share with Isaac, also, my knowledge and certainty of the truth of the principles we are discussing as we read. There is truly joy in parenting that we never find unless we choose to slow down and listen.