Becoming as a little child

Throughout the scriptures there seems to be a theme of "becoming as a little child". It's mentioned in the New Testament as well as the Book of Mormon, and probably somewhere in the Old Testament as well. It's kind of an interesting concept, becoming like a little kid. What's that supposed to mean? Are we supposed to throw fits when we don't get what we want, refuse to eat our vegetables, or other childish behavior? Yeah, that's probably not exactly what it means. It's something that I've wanted to understand more, and what do you know, the Lord provided a way. This past year I've been involved in Special Needs Mutual. I'm not entirely sure if I've mentioned it on my blog before, but I'll just give a quick rundown of what Special Needs Mutual is all about. Mutual is a youth group program organized by the Church. Special Needs Mutual is that same program with a focus on the needs of Special Needs individuals. We do scouting activities, working towards getting them their Eagles, and the girls work towards the equivalent award for young women. Each of the Special Needs buddies is a assigned a youth councilor. We become their buddies. It's really been an amazing experience! My buddy is Keith. He's a pretty awesome guy! He's a little bit older, and he has some of the same mannerisms that are characteristic of the older generation, but at the same time he's just like a little kid. Which brings me to my point.

These special needs individuals in many ways epitomize what the Savior meant when he commanded us to become as little children. For instance, the moment you see them you can tell that they are amazingly happy people! They will almost always have a smile on, and they are in general just excited for life. I believe this happiness is one of the major characteristics that we all need to acquire in order to become as a little child. Furthermore, one of the things that I have come to believe is one of the most important aspects of becoming as a little child, is their simple faith. They all have such simple, undeniable, and innocent faith. They never seem to doubt, but just accept God and Christ, and the roles they have in their lives, simply as a matter of fact. They bear such simple but powerful testimonies of the reality of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. One special needs individual made a simple statement that held within it a deep understanding of God and prayer. She simply said "I talked with God today". It's amazing to me how their faith is so simple, and so well placed, that they have no doubt. Furthermore, they are some of the most trusting and accepting individuals I have ever met. While they each do have their quirks and undeniable mannerisms, they are in general willing to accept the direction and help of others. This is epitomized in their acceptance of their life condition. Just about every single Special Needs individual recognizes that they are indeed different, that they may not be able to do everything that an individual without a mental handicap could do. Nevertheless, they acknowledge God's hand in their lives, and they are willing to submit to the fact that they are indeed different. It's a lesson I know I need to take in my own life. I have frequently wished that I had been blessed with an additional gift or blessing, rather than being content and recognizing that which the Lord has all ready given me. Truly, humility and acceptance of God's will are necessary traits to obtain before becoming like a little child.

There's a lot more I could say about these special needs individuals. They have been a blessing in my life. They have granted me new perspective, and they can always bring the spirit into my life. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity I've had to get to know them, especially my buddy Keith, and if any of you that read this blog happen to get the chance to work with Special Needs, take it. You will never regret the time you spend with these people. They will change your life and allow you to see the Love of the Savior in all that they do. Hats off to my buddy Keith for his testimony and all that he does!

My Bud Keith!