I Feel Pretty

Saturday was Peter's first Primary activity. He was so excited. During family prayers on Friday night he thanked Heavenly Father that the Primary Activity was the next day. He and I walked over to the church on Saturday morning. I had decided to stay, in part because we had walked and in part because he had had a sniffly nose. I wanted to be nearby in case he got worse and needed to be taken home early.

It turned out to be a good thing that I went. The kids were divided into four groups and some of the teachers hadn't come. I was put in charge of one of the groups (I had offered my help, they didn't just pull me in from the hall) which meant that I made sure nobody got lost and I helped them remember to be reverent. I was not with Peter's group, which was mildly traumatic, mostly for me. I got over it pretty quickly, but I am awfully attached to that little boy. Peter actually turned to me as his group was heading out the door and said, "Come on Mom, we're going." I told him I was going with a different group. He looked a little confused, but he went with it. And, bonus, he actually came back into the room when the groups came back together. I'm always worried that he's going to dash away from the adults in charge and take off down the hall. (He's done it to me before, I keep waiting for him to do it to someone else.)

The activity was all about the fourth Article of Faith. The groups traveled to four different rooms to learn about each aspect: faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I asked Peter what his favorite part of the activity was. He said it was getting to see the baptismal font during the section on baptism. I think that was a highlight for a lot of the kids in my group too.

The highlight for me came during the class on the gift of the Holy Ghost. The teacher asked the kids what the Holy Ghost felt like. One boy said fiery-fire. Another girl said it felt warm. Then one sweet little Kindergarten-age girl raised her hand. After being called on she said, "It feels... it feels like I'm getting really pretty."

Not only did that description make me smile, but it's also one of the most accurate descriptions of the Holy Ghost I've ever heard. It's true, when you have the Holy Ghost with you, you are prettier. It makes your countenance shine. And, for many girls and women, 'getting pretty' makes them happy. The influence of the Holy Ghost can make us feel happy as well. When I am following the guidance of the Holy Ghost I'm kinder to those around me, and I believe that kindness is always beautiful.