Determination

This is Spencer eating with a fork.  He started using a fork a couple of months ago when he noticed that everyone else was using a fork and he didn't have one.  He really wanted a fork!  He doesn't always use one but when he does, he really works at getting the food onto the fork and then getting the food into his mouth. 

And now he is learning to walk and boy is he just as determined as ever!  He just keeps trying and trying!  I need to get pictures of it! 

Watching him try so hard and still fall over and over again has made me think of President Uchtdorf's talk in the Priesthood session from this last General Conference.  Specifically this part:

"We have all seen a toddler learn to walk. He takes a small step and totters. He falls. Do we scold such an attempt? Of course not. What father would punish a toddler for stumbling? We encourage, we applaud, and we praise because with every small step, the child is becoming more like his parents.

 

Now, brethren, compared to the perfection of God, we mortals are scarcely more than awkward, faltering toddlers. But our loving Heavenly Father wants us to become more like Him, and, dear brethren, that should be our eternal goal too. God understands that we get there not in an instant but by taking one step at a time.

 

I do not believe in a God who would set up rules and commandments only to wait for us to fail so He could punish us. I believe in a Heavenly Father who is loving and caring and who rejoices in our every effort to stand tall and walk toward Him. Even when we stumble, He urges us not to be discouraged—never to give up or flee our allotted field of service—but to take courage, find our faith, and keep trying.

 

Our Father in Heaven mentors His children and often sends unseen heavenly help to those who desire to follow the Savior."