Last week we had Gavin teach the lesson on The Plan of Salvation. After about 45 minutes of preparation and discussion between the two of us, he presented the lesson and fielded questions from Shawn and Tiffany, solidifying the ideas in his mind. I silently patted myself on the back.
This week Marissa is home from college, and we had Gavin do a short review of the Plan of Salvation--so Marissa could catch up--and then watched a video of the First Vision.
I should pause here and mention that I have never met a kid with more questions and curiosity than Gavin. His mind is always thinking, reconciling, processing and making inferences. So it was no surprise when during the movie he interrupted with questions and comments.
"Why are they tearing down all the trees instead of buying wood at the store?"
"Do they not have electricity? They would have to use candles."
"Is this going to take a long time?"
"Why are people singing? Is that part of what really happened?"
"Why are they playing music? That is distracting!"
"Can I pop some popcorn?"
We quietly answered questions, and then settled that we'd watch until the end then ask any questions. However at the culmination of the video, where Joseph Smith is praying in the grove, a light descends, and a voice says "Behold this is my beloved Son. Hear him." I was surprised by Gavin's grunt of disgust and comment. "What? Seriously? After all this Heavenly Father came down and broke the veil?" he asked me looking to me for confirmation of his assumption.
Not quite understanding the distasteful way he said it, I paused the video to answer. "Yes, Gavin. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith to tell him that none of the churches were correct. He asked in faith. Just like the scriptures said to."
"So now can they appear to everyone?" he retorted.
I look at Shawn still not understanding why this is so frustrating to Gavin. Shawn takes over. "Well, they can appear to anyone. But usually they don't. This was a very special circumstance, and since Joseph would be the first prophet in the latter-days it was very important."
Gavin asks again. "So anyone can see Heavenly Father?"
Shawn reiterates "Yes, they have appeared to others in the scriptures. Jesus appeared to the Nephites, and his disciples. Whenever it is necessary both Heavenly Father and Jesus have the power to do that."
"Well that is just great" Gavin spits out. "Now everyone can see them and the whole Plan of Salvation is RUINED." He is now practically yelling. "I fought so hard in the spirit world. That sucks!"
What? I look at Shawn to see if he can identify where we have veered off the path. He says gently "Gavin the plan of salvation is not ruined. Because Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph we learned about the plan. And we learned other things. For example that Jesus and Heavenly Father are two separate beings. Not one person like some religions believe."
Gavin persists "But the veil...where we forgot where we came from. We were supposed to come here to see if we could choose the right even when we couldn't remember. And now everyone remembers...."
Ah HA! Our minds finally catch up with Gavin's. Marissa, Tiffany, Shawn and I each take turns talking about how the first vision helped us come to know and understand the plan. Still wary, but having more understanding, Gavin relented and agreed to family prayer.
After the prayer Gavin runs off to brush his teeth.
I look at Shawn. "Perhaps this is one reason we should teach these lessons in order."
This week Marissa is home from college, and we had Gavin do a short review of the Plan of Salvation--so Marissa could catch up--and then watched a video of the First Vision.
I should pause here and mention that I have never met a kid with more questions and curiosity than Gavin. His mind is always thinking, reconciling, processing and making inferences. So it was no surprise when during the movie he interrupted with questions and comments.
"Why are they tearing down all the trees instead of buying wood at the store?"
"Do they not have electricity? They would have to use candles."
"Is this going to take a long time?"
"Why are people singing? Is that part of what really happened?"
"Why are they playing music? That is distracting!"
"Can I pop some popcorn?"
We quietly answered questions, and then settled that we'd watch until the end then ask any questions. However at the culmination of the video, where Joseph Smith is praying in the grove, a light descends, and a voice says "Behold this is my beloved Son. Hear him." I was surprised by Gavin's grunt of disgust and comment. "What? Seriously? After all this Heavenly Father came down and broke the veil?" he asked me looking to me for confirmation of his assumption.
Not quite understanding the distasteful way he said it, I paused the video to answer. "Yes, Gavin. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith to tell him that none of the churches were correct. He asked in faith. Just like the scriptures said to."
"So now can they appear to everyone?" he retorted.
I look at Shawn still not understanding why this is so frustrating to Gavin. Shawn takes over. "Well, they can appear to anyone. But usually they don't. This was a very special circumstance, and since Joseph would be the first prophet in the latter-days it was very important."
Gavin asks again. "So anyone can see Heavenly Father?"
Shawn reiterates "Yes, they have appeared to others in the scriptures. Jesus appeared to the Nephites, and his disciples. Whenever it is necessary both Heavenly Father and Jesus have the power to do that."
"Well that is just great" Gavin spits out. "Now everyone can see them and the whole Plan of Salvation is RUINED." He is now practically yelling. "I fought so hard in the spirit world. That sucks!"
What? I look at Shawn to see if he can identify where we have veered off the path. He says gently "Gavin the plan of salvation is not ruined. Because Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph we learned about the plan. And we learned other things. For example that Jesus and Heavenly Father are two separate beings. Not one person like some religions believe."
Gavin persists "But the veil...where we forgot where we came from. We were supposed to come here to see if we could choose the right even when we couldn't remember. And now everyone remembers...."
Ah HA! Our minds finally catch up with Gavin's. Marissa, Tiffany, Shawn and I each take turns talking about how the first vision helped us come to know and understand the plan. Still wary, but having more understanding, Gavin relented and agreed to family prayer.
After the prayer Gavin runs off to brush his teeth.
I look at Shawn. "Perhaps this is one reason we should teach these lessons in order."
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