Saturday, January 17, 2009

Already?

A conversation between Mom and Naomi as Naomi is being tucked into bed:

Naomi: But we didn't see that prophet guy today!

Me: What prophet guy?

Naomi: The one we talked about in school.

Me: You mean Martin Luther King, Jr.

Naomi: Yeah.

Me: He's not a prophet.

Naomi: What? Yes he is!

Me: Nope. He's not a prophet.

Naomi: Why not?

Me: Because... he was a really great man who helped the world in really great ways, but he wasn't giving us Heavenly Father's words. A prophet is someone who tells us what Heavenly Father wants us to hear and do. On Monday we'll have a special holiday where Daddy doesn't have to go to work and you don't have to go to school and we'll remember the great things Martin Luther King, Jr. said. But he's not a prophet.

Naomi: But we'll see him on Monday?

Me: Well, no. Actually, he's dead.

Naomi: What? Already?

Me: Yep.

Naomi: But can we see him on TV?

Me: Well, maybe we can see him talk on the computer. OK?

Naomi: OK.

After Naomi and I had this chat and I came to write it down quickly before I forgot about the "What? Already!" part, I got to thinking. MLK was a prophet in many ways. He was telling us what Heavenly Father wanted us to hear. I believe his popular speech and much of his life was inspired. But that may be a little deep for a 5 year old. So, thanks Naomi. For helping me have deep thoughts about Martin Luther King, Jr on this oft-ignored holiday.

3 comments:

Montserrat said...

Yup, you're gonna be in trouble when she's older and thinks even deeper. :D


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Spencer, Kami, James and Madelynn said...

Oh my. I don't think I would have known how to answer that one! Impressive conversation to be having with Naomi! Wow.

Its funny how I keep working on getting James to talk, and then I hear stories like yours and I wonder what I am going to say to him when he starts asking me hard questions! Thank you for setting such a good example!

Elieson Family said...

Ha ha ha! That's awesome! Way to go Naomi. Our evening conversations are this:
"Will you read from Narnia tonight?"
"Yes, but you have to get your pyjamas on and be in bed ready for me before 7"
"OK!"
7:15 rolls around, they're fully dressed...
"Mommy, will you read Narnia to us tonight?"
"Uhm. No. Go to bed." I should be more creative, or maybe read to them while they digest food... Actually Salem and Ben have these little books from School about Barack Obama. They think he's associated with the church too, because of the "president" title we use.