Exercises For The Soul - Agency

When I was a kindergarten teacher, I would spend one of the first days explaining the classroom rules. Afterwards I would ask, "Who is in charge of making sure you follow these rules?" Hands would shoot up with answers like, "The Principle, you (the teacher), our moms". Then someone would raise their hand, almost bursting, because they were sure they knew the right answer. I knew they were a regular "church-goer" because they would say, "God or Heavenly Father". They would be surprised when I shook my head no to all these answers. Then I explained that they were in charge of their arms and legs and making sure the rules were followed. This was a revelation to most and very empowering.

Teach the "Great Plan of Happiness" in a simple way so your children can understand it. Emphasize the fact that Heavenly Father presented a plan which Satan rejected and Jesus Christ promised he would carry out. Teach the meaning of the word "agency". Emphasize that one of the reasons we come to earth is to prove how we will use our agency - making good or bad choices.

Play a game where children show "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to a list of every day good and bad choices. Agency can also be practiced and discussed by playing the board game "Chutes and Ladders"

Serve a bowl of colored jelly beans or another favorite candy and allow children to choose the one they want. Discuss the great gift of free agency from our Heavenly Father.

For older children, you may want to discuss the book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, a member of a WWII prison camp. He learned that even though he had no choice in what he wore, what he ate or when and how much he worked, he still could choose his attitude.

Person of the week: Jessica Kern - When Jessica was very young she came to visit Grandma and Grandpa. During family prayers I blessed all the grandkids. Jessica said, "What about me? I didn't hear my name." She reminded that each individual is important. Now when I say my prayers every night I ask Heavenly Father to bless each grandchild by name and think about their individual needs.