Bringing Children to the Waters of Life

Children have a natural curiosity for water. They are amazed by its many living properties and the way they feel when they put their bodies in it. Perhaps this curiosity is somewhat nostalgic, in that they were enveloped in water when they were in the womb, and becoming re-acquainted with it opens doors for pleasant memories. Children also have a natural curiosity for spiritual things and readily recognize the Savior in pictures, music, and video or movies. They want to be close to Him and gravitate toward those who remind them of Him.

Involving our children from their infancy in spiritual activities such as prayer, scripture study, and family activities, allows them to develop a love for the Savior that will carry them through the later years when they question spiritual things.

Water is a life-giving substance to our bodies, just as our relationship with Jesus Christ gives life to our spirits. We receive a renewal of our connection with heaven when we experience the birth of our children. It only makes sense then that we, as God's children, need to keep that connection for our own salvation.

As parents, the relationship we have with our children is the basis of the relationship they eventually have with the Savior. Bringing children to the waters of life is allowing them to experience Him early in their lives by praying with them, speaking often of Him and His love for us, singing songs about Him and giving praise to Him. As we put forth the time and effort to connect with Deity ourselves, we bring the Spirit into our homes and peace is felt by our children.

Involving children in spiritual activities is often difficult due to their short attention spans and frequent movement. Through the use of gentle touches, pleasant voices, and positive praise, we encourage their positive behavior and have them become a vital part of these activities, lending to greater spiritual power in ourselves and them.

Allowing children to experience the Savior firsthand when difficulties arise in the family gives them a reason to look to Him personally. Let them see your tears and kneel with you as you pray to the Lord for help and guidance. Encourage them to pray when they are afraid or having difficulties with their feelings. Teach them to recognize the answers to prayer and to express gratitude when they receive divine guidance.

When difficult decisions must be made, help them consider the options, choose what is best, and look to the Lord for confirmation. There may be times when they make choices you may not agree with, but in the long run, they will choose to follow the Savior as you have done in your life. The greatest blessing of all will be when they choose to bring their own children to the Waters of Life as you have done for them.