Standing Alone

The yearly theme in Sharing Time is Choosing the Right. I am in charge this month and so I have been teaching the primary kids that sometimes choosing the right means standing alone. A few weeks ago, Zach chose the right and told his friend that he couldn't play a teen video game. Today, Eric chose the right and decided to not watch the R rated movie that his World History teacher showed the class. Being 14, I told Eric that it was up to him to make the decision. He chose to not watch even though it was only him and one other LDS girl in his class that had to leave the room. Eric personally witnessed several kids in his first hour class forging their parents' signatures.

As a mom, I know my kids make lots of wrong choices. We all do. But today, I am proud that Eric wasn't afraid to stand up for his standards. I would have been mortified if I were put into that position at 14. In fact, I am not sure I would have made the right decision. It makes me angry that our society puts so much pressure on our kids and especially teenagers. I am so glad I don't have to relive those years personally, but in a way, I feel like I am reliving them through my children. My heart aches for them that they are required to stand alone sometimes.

This day was important for our family because when the other 3 children are put into this same position, they will have a big brother's example to look up to. I am grateful for his example.