Sunday Post

Right now I am the Primary Chorister in our branch. Which means, for you nonmembers, that I lead the music for the children under 12, teach new songs, talk about the meanings of them, and basically play for about an hour every Sunday.

This morning the junior primary, kids under the age of 8 down to 4, were having trouble focusing on a song we were learning about the Holy Ghost. I felt moved to do something unexpected. I asked them to come sit in a circle on the floor with me, where we looked at the pictures and talked about when and where we can feel the spirit. Each child gave a unique response. One child said they felt the spirit in their head. Another said they felt it in their stomach. I found these answers insightful, because I have known people to say that when they are choosing to go against the spirit they get sick to their stomach, others sometimes get a headache. One child they can feel the Spirit in "any ole place". Another said when they pray. While each gave a different answer, each answer was right.

Then we tried singing it again, and it was like they doubled their numbers. It was touching and beautiful.

In Senior Primary, ages 8-12, we had some visitors. One child had difficulty getting his energy under control(if I had favorites, he would be one). We chatted about the fact that each of them are leaders, right now. And how they influence others for good or ill, at school, church, home, etc. How we need to make sure that we are influencing for good. It was a wonderful experience, because the words were said in such a way that no one was insulted, no one was belittled, no one felt bad. It was just a bit of info for them to take home and think about... if they wanted, but it was all their choice. We sang Follow the Prophet (a song about Adam, Enoch, and a number of other great leaders) as always they sang with great enthusiasm and joy. Some added some extra percussion to the chorus, which I love! It's a song to have fun with. The Spirit and Fun should go together as often as possible!

We try to have as much fun as possible, without getting out of control, in Primary. Sometimes I think, adults forget that FUN is part of religion. Or it should be. Happiness is fun, right? Of course it is. And if you can't find happiness in your religious choice... Doesn't sound very fun to me. So when I get together with these sparkling little spirits every Sunday, I want to encourage their shine and not dull it with unneeded fencing. These are amazing young people. They have great potential wrapped up in their innocence. It is such a privilege to be with them, to work with them, to play with them, to know them.