I can't play today, it's Sunday!

Today Tylers best buddy Dominic knocked on our door asking Tyler if he could play. Tyler looked up at me with these hesitant eyes. I told Dominic to hold on for a sec while I have a word with Tyler. I then closed the door and proceeded to explain the reasoning behind the Sabbath Day and why its a day of rest. I encouraged Tyler to take this opportunity to share his newly gained testimony of the Sabbath day with his friend and to do so with integrity and confidence. I also challenged Tyler to invite his friend to church sometime. It would have been simply to just take over and shoe Dominic away, but I wanted Tyler to learn and grow for this situation.

I then reopened the door and allowed Tyler to step outside with his friend and explain why he couldnt play on this Sabbath day. I listened carefully through the crack for the door and was happy to hear Tyler bearing his new found testimony of the sabbath day and what it meant to him, how its different then any other day, and how he enjoys this day of rest. He explained that the Sabbath day is to be a day of rest. A day where our activities are more low key and centered around Jesus Christ. But he assured Dominic that he is still his friend and cant wait to play tomorrow. He then asked Dominic if he would ever want to go to church with him. Dominic said he would think about it when he gets into 1st grade, which is in 6 weeks. Ha Ha I just love how these little kids talk. Tyler came inside the house devastated that he didnt take him up on the offer. I gave Tyler a big hug and reassured him that missionary work isnt always about success its about obedience and planting that seed in someones heart. I explained that it's up to Dominic to help make that seed grow. With a pat on the back I told Tyler what a great job he did at expressing his testimony to his friend.

He then spent all day snuggled up on the couch with his reading books and art box. He rested and also wrote a card to Uncle Ryan. He had a great attitude and never once second guessed his decision to respect the sabbath day. I could tell he had felt the spirit today and that he felt good about his decision.

Maybe someday Dominic will come out to church with Tyler, until then I am pleased to see Tyler relying on his new little testimony and never once letting it faultier. Its great to see him relating to his morning scripture stories of Abinadi and remaining faithful in his beliefs, even if he has to lean on his Mother's testimony at a young age. Soon he will stand firm and strong on his own with these great opportunities that allow him to build up his testimony and a firm foundation.

As these boys grow up and are faced with worldly decision and social pressures I would hope that they would never feel obligated to blame their good decisions on their religion. I remember always responding to my friends with the famous "It's against my religion" response. I want their decisions to not be a force but rather a definition of their character and inner soul. I want them to live it not just say it, and for our religion to define them inside and out not something to blame. I want to teach them to respond to their friends with confidence in their testimonies and knowledge of their beliefs. Instead of them being viewed as different in some social settings I want them to be viewed as strong solid LDS boys with confidence in what they believe in NO MATTER what situation they face. This situation today was just the start in helping him build that integrity.