Libby and the Primary Program

We recently had our Primary Program at church, and the leaders thoughtfully wanted the children to give talks/comments in their own words, so they gave all of the parents a question to pose to their child in the hopes of gleaning some true, heart-felt answers.

When Libby was requested to finish the sentence, "I'm trying to be like Jesus by ______", we held a special Family Home Evening all about the many attributes of Jesus. We told stories and read scriptures, describing after each how he is kind, helpful, generous, etc. So wrapping things up, I finally asked her the question, "Libby, you can be like Jesus by...." She finished my sentence with, "painting!" Obviously things were not sinking in.

After reiterating the prized characteristics and asking her again throughout the week, some of her more compelling answers included, "giving hugs," "saying my prayers," and "being loving." (One of her less compelling answers was, "swording all of the bad people." Apparently we were spending too much time in the war chapters of the Book of Mormon. But at least glad she has actually been paying attention during scripture study!)

So after emailing her answers to her teachers, her final part in the Primary Program was complete:

"I'm trying to be like Jesus by giving hugs and saying my prayers."

We practiced and practiced, but it always came out a little bit different. Not because she couldn't remember her part, of course, but because my strong-willed little girl likes things done her way. =) She had not forgotten her answers, and "being loving" was usually included, but I figured it was a pretty harmless addition.

On the big day we really tried to help her feel special. I made pancakes for breakfast, she got to wear her new dress, and I actually did her hair with curls and a cute bow rather than the usual barrette to the roll-out-of bed style.

When her turn came, Libby proudly hopped up to the microphone, and with confidence, gusto, and volume, said,

"I'm trying to be like Jesus by being loving, giving hugs... and kisses, saying my prayers... being loving... and brushing my teeth!"

We smiled wide smiles amidst the congregational chuckles, and our resident dentist beamed with pride. (Besides, of all the variations her part could have taken while in the spotlight, this was probably one of the better ones to come from the pulpit, for which we were most grateful.)

It was so fun having a Primary-age child to participate in the program this year, and we are looking forward to many more equally great performances in the years to come from our wonderful little Libby!