A tough decision

My son, Jaydn, has a good friend that lives down the street from us. His name is Jacob. They have been friends since we moved here and they get along fantastically. I can’t remember a time when they were ever mad at one another. Jacob is a little bit older than Jaydn; his birthday is in February so he turned 12 this year. He usually has a birthday party every year and the boys all have a blast! This year his mom couldn't fit the party in on a Friday or a Saturday so he had to have his party starting Sunday night. It was to be a sleep over where they had a bonfire and played around in the woods. Well, I told Leslie, Jacob’s mom, that I would let Jaydn go (against my better judgment). Later that night I told Robert about the party and that I had given permission for Jaydn to go. Robert approached the decision with the love of a father. He told Jaydn that it was ultimately his choice and that we were not going to decide theses kinds of things for him anymore. He talked to Jaydn about integrity and what his friends might think of him if he goes against what he says he believes in every once in a while(We believe in keeping the Sabbath Day holy and not engaging in worldly activities on Sunday. We do not shop or go out to eat. We do have family sometimes but our children do not run around and play outside, they spend a lot of time reading and doing quiet activities.) Robert counseled Jaydn to pray about his choice and ponder what the Lord would have him do. Jaydn retreated to his room and did just that, prayed about it. He later came downstairs with some tears in his eyes. He picked up the phone and called his best friend to tell him he could not come to the birthday party until the next morning. Jacob was upset as well. He wished Jaydn could come but said he would call him in the morning, when they all woke up, so Jay could join them.

It is now 10:15 am Monday morning and those boys, at the party, are still sleeping (who knew there were actually 12 year old boys out there that slept that late?) Jaydn woke up at 6 am this morning and has been anticipating the phone call since, I sure hope they awaken from their dead sleep soon?

I am so proud of my son for going to the Lord with his question. I am proud of him for sticking to his values, even when his own mother said it was okay. Jaydn is a super example to me of how the children of his generation are sent here with very special spirits. They have to be stronger than we were because the world they live in is a harder place to be in but not of (We, as Latter Day Saints, are counseled to be in the world but not of it).

It is an amazing gift to have your own children teach you about God and His ways. I am grateful for Jaydn and the wonderful boy he is, what he brings to our family is priceless!