Back in April of this year my wife Michelle and I traveled to McDonough, Georgia to attend the baptism and confirmation of our oldest grandson, Aiden. He is both our oldest grandson and our oldest grandchild, so this was our first experience for this event as grandparents. What a wonderful experience it was! We both were given the opportunity to participate. I gave the opening prayer of the baptismal service. Michelle was able to give a short talk about what baptism is, what it means and why we do it. After the baptism was performed by our son-in-law David, I was able to join in the circle of priesthood holders to participate in the ordinance of confirmation.
As terrific as all that was, the thing that I will remember most from that weekend happened the next morning. Aiden was baptized on a Saturday. The next day we all went to church together. Before church, and even before Michelle and I got out of bed, Aiden entered the room we were sleeping in. At this stage in his life, Aiden is an early riser. He walked into the bedroom with his brand new scriptures, in his brand new scripture case, in his hand. He had a big smile on his face. He snuggled into the air mattress on the floor that served as our temporary bed.
“Grandma, look at my new scriptures,” he said.
“Those are nice. Be sure to take care of them,” Michelle returned.
“Grandma, would you read scriptures with me?”
“Of course. What part do you want to read from?”
A choice was made. They read from The Book of Mormon, then something from Doctrine and Covenants. Aiden was excited to learn that he had the Articles of Faith he’s been learning in Primary right there in his hands. They read from those too.
It was my blessing to lay next to them on the air mattress and witness the scene. During moments of discussion I would share a short comment or two. Aiden was so excited about the entire experience. It is clear that at his tender age he has a love for the scriptures and the truths he can find there. When Jesus entreated his disciples, and by extension all of us, to humble ourselves as little children, I think the example Aiden was setting is exactly what He had in mind. May we each find the joy and enthusiasm Aiden has for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As terrific as all that was, the thing that I will remember most from that weekend happened the next morning. Aiden was baptized on a Saturday. The next day we all went to church together. Before church, and even before Michelle and I got out of bed, Aiden entered the room we were sleeping in. At this stage in his life, Aiden is an early riser. He walked into the bedroom with his brand new scriptures, in his brand new scripture case, in his hand. He had a big smile on his face. He snuggled into the air mattress on the floor that served as our temporary bed.
“Grandma, look at my new scriptures,” he said.
“Those are nice. Be sure to take care of them,” Michelle returned.
“Grandma, would you read scriptures with me?”
“Of course. What part do you want to read from?”
A choice was made. They read from The Book of Mormon, then something from Doctrine and Covenants. Aiden was excited to learn that he had the Articles of Faith he’s been learning in Primary right there in his hands. They read from those too.
It was my blessing to lay next to them on the air mattress and witness the scene. During moments of discussion I would share a short comment or two. Aiden was so excited about the entire experience. It is clear that at his tender age he has a love for the scriptures and the truths he can find there. When Jesus entreated his disciples, and by extension all of us, to humble ourselves as little children, I think the example Aiden was setting is exactly what He had in mind. May we each find the joy and enthusiasm Aiden has for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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