And a Little Child Shall Lead Them

by Kari Pike
I can't help myself. My four-year-old grandson is amazingly cute. Of course, I think all of my grandchildren are amazingly cute! I try not to bore other people with the many darling grandchildren-isms...but once in awhile, they say or do something that fills my heart so full I just have to share.

One of the many activities we enjoyed during our trip to Salt Lake this past Christmas included caravaning to a TRAX station and riding the train to Temple Square. My aunt had arranged a tour of the conference center and the Temple Christmas lights. After a yummy dinner together, eight of our nine children, their spouses and all eleven of our grandchildren, along with my aunt and uncle and various cousins, bundled up and piled into an assortment of vans and cars. Some of the drivers, mostly my children, didn't know how to get to the particular station chosen to begin our ride, so my husband headed up the line. The grandchildren were extremely excited and couldn't wait to reach our destination. I don't know what it is about trains and little boys, but little boys love trains...especially four-year-olds. Wesly could hardly contain himself. He wanted his dad to drive faster! He told his dad,

"Hurry up! Get in front of Grandpa! Let's beat 'em!"

Trying to settle Wesly down, his mom said, "No, Wesly. We need to follow Grandpa."

Wesly, clearly disappointed at not being able to be the first one to the station asked, "Why do we have to follow Grandpa?"

Mom said, "Because he knows the way."

Wesly thought about that for a moment. Then he asked, "Why is Grandpa a prophet?"

I love the scripture in Alma 32:23: "...Little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned." I shed tears every time I read about the Savior's visit to the Nephites after his resurrection; how he took their children one by one and blessed them (3 Nephi 17:21) and how he personally taught and ministered to those children (3 Nephi 26:14).

Truly, the children who are being sent to live on earth now are choice spirits. They are so strong and vibrant. They have to be in order to withstand Satan's increased assault on all that is wise and good. I am grateful for Primary and Mutual and Seminary and all the men and women of the Church who give support in guiding these special spirits down the right path. I am grateful for the scriptures and the wise counsel we find in those pages and I am grateful for living prophets who do know and lead the way for us to follow.