Many families of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are looking forward to having shorter church meetings and having more time at home with their families. More time for family home evening, family council and family history—producing a more joyful home. A home of sharing, understanding and respect makes a happy home, a home full of love.
Parents have the primary responsibility to instruct their children in the doctrine. The plan is to have more time for learning and strengthening faith and fostering greater personal worship. Families will be blessed in many ways.
Teaching small children can be as simple as sitting with them and looking at The Friend magazine together. For older children, letting them read the scriptures, no better way to increase reading skills. And then since they read the words, there is a good chance parents can ask a question or two about what the child just read.
One good experience leads to another and every child loves the undivided attention of a parent, including teenaged children and spouses. Aren’t we all children of God? Time is the important factor, not rushed but giving full attention to the person with whom you are speaking and wanting to guide, touch or understand.
The plan is to have a handbook for the family’s guidance and a topic for discussion for when we gather for meetings at the Church. If the family has read and pondered the topic, they will be in tune with the teachings and able to participate in discussions and grow spiritually. If we used this additional time unwisely, such as for outdoor activities or watching TV, or doing homework or cleaning the house, we will not feel the spirit of the discussion.
In Luke 10:38-42 we read: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.