Helaman 3:37 - He did walk in the ways of his father.

This last sentence in Chapter 3 of Helaman struck me.  Helaman has passed away “…and his son Nephi began to reign in his stead.”  The older I get, the more I realize and appreciate what a good thing I did when I listened to the prompting of the Holy Ghost and married my husband.  I had plenty of concerns.  He just wasn’t what I thought I was looking for.  I can truthfully say I have not had a moment’s disappointment for following that prompting.  I know it came from the Lord, because I was not leaning toward that decision on my own.

So how do I get to the topic I’m focusing on in this chapter?  Our sons tend to look up to their fathers and want to be like them.  We visited with our only son and his family last week as they blessed their baby daughter.  Someone mentioned how much our son looks like his dad.  It was then mentioned how much his mannerisms are like his dad’s as well.  I can’t think of a better person for my son to pattern his life after, and this brings me great joy. 

Parents, it is important that we live lives worthy of emulation.  In a world like we have today, there are many who vie for our children’s affection and emulation – many who are not worthy of emulating in any degree.  It is startling the decadence the world of entertainment and sports embrace.  Be the Mom or Dad whose life is fulfilled through loving your family, being there for them and with them, providing their needs and teaching them righteous principles.  I believe in the scripture that says:  “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6  I cling to that scripture like none other.  I was taught when I was a child and I knew, even though I strayed from the path for a time.  I believe strongly it was my teachings as a child that drew me back onto the path of righteousness.  I have faith that it can happen for my daughters who have strayed far from those things they know to be right and true.  Some day, there will be a trigger that sends them to their knees pleading to Heavenly Father for forgiveness and guidance.  That will be their first step.  Following the prompting from that point on will be a joy for which they will be forever grateful.