This week is the last week of General Conference Book Club! I have been honored with this privilege of hosting GCBC while Stephanie took a sabbatical, but I am excited to give her baby back. GCBC belongs with Stephanie. I can't wait to discuss the October General Conference talks over at Diapers and Divinity, so make sure you head over there next Sunday!
Believe, Obey, Endure - by President Thomas S. Monson
President Monson's counsel to the youth was excellent. I appreciated that he discussed with them the exciting opportunities that come to them as teens. When I was a teenager I hated it. I hated the stereotype and stigma that came attached to being a "teen". In fact, one of my essays for my scholarship application to Brigham Young University was focused on how I was not "just a teenager". I never felt like I wanted to be a teenager. The world thinks teenagers are lost and messed up and society kind of leaves teenagers "out to dry" most of the time. Where did this limbo land come from for teenagers? Why don't we expect much much more of our teenagers?
Well, apparently President Monson expects more of our teenagers, and I appreciate that. Children (including teenagers) will live up to our expectations of them. There is no need for children to suffer through this limbo stage of "teenage-dom". Why don't we just expect our children to become adults? The teen years should be a training ground for our children to learn how to be adults, not a time for our teens to make every mistake imaginable and potentially ruin their chances at a successful adulthood.
President Monson gave the young women a clear road map for learning how to become faithful adults - believe, obey, endure.
For this purpose have you come into mortality, my young friends. There is nothing more important than the goal you strive to attain—even eternal life in the kingdom of your Father.What were your thoughts and impressions about President Monson's talk?
That is interesting what you said about the teen age years being a training ground for adulthood. I read an article not too long ago that basically said that it is a good thing when teens argue with their parents as it is a training ground for life, that it is a sign of confidence that they will stand up for themselves. I'm not too sure about that article...I have two teen daughters and I prefer that they listen to the words of the Prophet. The teen years are hard, lots of growing into things. I agree with you though that we should set our expectations high instead of making excuses and writing things off as life is hard for teens. The challenges that they face, and I know there are many are all going to still be there into adulthood, if we set the bar high then really they'll be better prepared. Great post, thanks for sharing this!
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