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| Eternal Home Evenings |
Family home evenings weren't originated in this generation-nor even
in this dispensation. Family home evening was held by righteous
families many centuries ago. I'd like to recall one particular
family home evening recorded in the scriptures--even though,
unfortunately, it is incomplete. The family that held this home
evening was very large, but the parents were deeply concerned about
each individual family member--so concerned, in fact, that they
continually strived to teach their children eternal principles.
At this certain family home evening, the family had a definite
problem to solve. An obstacle had presented itself, and it had to
be overcome if the children were going to be able to keep progressing.
After the initial business was concluded, the father explained the
problem to his children, and he asked them to suggest possible
solutions to the problem. It was a learning activity. The father,
of course, was very wise; he knew the problem well, and had himself
overcome it when he was younger. He knew the best possible solution
for his family, but he wanted first to teach them the eternal lessons
involved.
I'm sure many plans were suggested by different members of the
family- and several must have been brilliant, though varied. After
he examined the plans, the father found that one was identical to
his. This was the plan of the eldest son, a tremendously outstanding
man to whom the father gave the task of helping implement the plan.
One other noteworthy plan had been submitted by another son, who was
brilliant in his own right. This son wasn't condemned for submitting
his plan, because, undoubtedly, many faulty plans had been submitted.
But when he started seeking personal glory and trying to impose his
will and selfishness on the entire family--and when he persuaded
one-third of his brothers and sisters to rebel with him--he and his
followers had to be cast out of their dwelling.
Of course, it was the great council in heaven. In many ways, it was
like a big family home evening. Just as our Father in Heaven wants
us to learn eternal principles in our relations with him, so should
we always strive to teach and learn eternal values in that eternal
setting, the family home evening.
-- Stephen Black |
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