I woke up this morning with a head cold. Yuck! I didn’t feel too bad but my nose was all stuffed up and there was lots of pressure in my head. I figured it would be better for me to stay home than go to church and spread it around. Dar took G to church and left The Boy home with me. He goofed around the living room while I chilled on the couch. Not much was accomplished today, and I’m sorry about not taking any pictures. The lesson I missed in at church was about the Second Coming of Christ. But I would, instead, like to share some inspiring words from Elder Larry R. Lawerence that he gave in a talk during General Conference October 2010.
Years ago our 17-year-old son wanted to go on a weekend trip with his friends, who were all good boys. He asked for permission to go. I wanted to say yes, but for some reason I felt uncomfortable about the trip. I shared my feelings with my wife, who was very supportive. “We need to listen to that warning voice,” she said.
Of course, our son was disappointed and asked why we didn’t want him to go. I answered honestly that I didn’t know why. “I just don’t feel good about it,” I explained, “and I love you too much to ignore these feelings inside.” I was quite surprised when he said, “That’s OK, Dad. I understand.”
Young people understand more than we realize because they too have the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are trying to recognize the Spirit when He speaks, and they are watching our example. From us they learn to pay attention to their promptings—that if they “don’t feel good about something,” it’s best not to pursue it.
It’s so important for husbands and wives to be united when making parenting decisions. If either parent doesn’t feel good about something, then permission should not be granted. If either feels uncomfortable about a movie, a television show, a video game, a party, a dress, a swimsuit, or an Internet activity, have the courage to support each other and say no.
