Born of Goodly Parents

"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father..."

- 1 Nephi 1:1

There is so much to learn. There is so much to teach.

I think this phrase applies equally well applied from parents to children and from children to parents. Who really is the teacher and who is the student? Why is it that the more we learn the more we know we don't know anything?

I was reflecting on my love-fest with motherhood today when I decided I wanted to read Evan a book. I grabbed "A is for Ark" off the shelf, wrapped up my little snuggle bug, popped in the soother and began to read...

"A is for ark (and alligator, antelope, aardvark, and armadillo)."

I continued through the alphabet, making sure to point out the colorful animals and keep the book just within reach of my baby's chubby fingers. He was so eager to grab on to every page and seemed content just to hear the sound of my voice. It gave me a sense of fulfilment and somehow gave me a boost of mid-afternoon strength.

I love that Nephi acknowledge his birth into a family with righteous parents at the helm. I love that their desire was to teach him in all their learning. I imagine this was secular as well as religious knowledge, in addition to the language of love I'm sure they (and he) were fluent in.

I vividly remember holding Evan in my arms, quietly rocking him when he was just three days old. I was alone at home and was soothing him to sleep by singing primary songs. "Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday," was the line that got right to my new mama heartstrings. The feelings are indescribable.

There is so much to learn. There is so much to teach.

Evan, I hope you always feel that you are born of goodly parents. I hope you learn from me that A is for ark (and alligator, antelope, aardvark, and armadillo), that you are a precious child of God who loves you and that you mean more to your mama than anything on this earth. I hope you continue to be so eager to learn, holding onto eternal truths wherever you can find them. When you need to hear my voice, I'll always be here to comfort you. When you just need to talk, remember that your Heavenly Father always listens.

I will spend my life trying to teach you everything I've learned.

But above all, know this: I love you.