Sacrifice

I stopped by work today and it made me think a lot about sacrifice.

Abe and I have made many tough decisions the past 6 years.  The first one was joining the military (time away from family), then quitting my full-time position to become a full-time mother (losing the majority of our income), and deciding from the start to always pay our tithing (our income has been less than our debts for 1/2 our marriage).  Abe and I haven't bought clothing for ourselves aside from a small handfull of items from Goodwill.  We go on dates 1-2 times a year.  We forgo trips to save gas money.  We use government assistance programs despite a strong desire to be self-reliant.  All these things have taught me humility, patience, and a gratitude that could only come from such trials of faith.  I appreciate having a home and food on the table more than I ever have.  I see the Lord's hand in my life each time a friend gives us clothes or diapers for our children, and our meager income stretchs farther than worldly possible.  I can honestly say I'm grateful that we struggle.  Miracles have happened, and I have some great stories of faith, and enduring to the end to tell my children. 

A salesman came to our door the other day.  He was selling Bible and Book of Mormon CD's for children.  Although we simply couldn't afford them, it made me think--what am I doing to help my children learn faith now?  We say our prayers at meals and bedtime, but I'd love to teach them the scriptures.  I would love to learn them better myself!  I showed Aiden and Austin a picture, and both of them identified "Jesus".  Thank goodness.  With all that we do each day, sometimes I think I forget the most important things.  I want my children to learn what it is to have faith.  I have a testimony that God lives and that he loves His children.  I pray that my children know that too.