A Gospel Conversation

Natty asked me a question earlier in the evening wanting to know if I ever struggled to live the gospel when I was her age.  In quickly thinking about it my answer was no, not really.  We were in the middle of the Christmas Broadcast and I am not feeling all that well right now so I didn't give her question the time or response that I should have.  After getting the boys in bed I took the opportunity to spend a little more time with Natty tonight and to talk about life as a 13 and 14 year old.  We had a good conversation. 

Natty shared with me that she is having a hard time when she sees people she knows are members of the church doing inappropriate things.  It is unfortunate that it happens but it is also reality.  It was a reality when I was her age and has always been the case.  The world points the finger of scorn at those who try to follow the Savior and try to live the gospel.  That can be a very hard thing to take.  The adversary works hard on us all the time by putting in front of us what is popular and what the world deems is cool and right.  Certainly those standards have moved further and further from gospel standards.  The adversary has so many weapons to hit kids with today.  That is tough. 

The thing is this, Natty knows the church is true.  She is a good girl and she tries very hard to do what is right.  She sometimes falls short as we all do.  She also feels the pressure of kids her age.  The call of the natural man can be loud and overwhelming.  The Lord is quietly there with his arms outstretched.  I am grateful that Natty recognizes the gifts of the Spirit.  Through the gifts of the Spirit she can know the truth of all things.  That doesn't mean that she is not tempted and that she doesn't struggle with wanting to be accepted of others.  Certainly those temptations exist.  I trust in the Lord that as we steadily press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, doing the things that he would have us do, reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, attending our meetings and serving others that Natty will find the strength to carry on and to quench all the fiery darts of the adversary. 

Grateful tonight for gospel conversations and for a wonderful daughter.