I have 'goal-ed' (as opposed to resolved) with this new year to read the Book of Mormon in Portuguese, out loud. I love getting a fresh perspective on scriptures you have learned by heart. Because translations of any work are not exact, there are beautiful little nuiances in the phrases that help me to reflect on what the Lord needs me to become.
Last night I paused, after a delightful run of more and more pages (I enjoy reading out loud in another language a lot a lot) on the scripture that precedes 1 Nephi 3:7. We are all familiar with Nephi's courageous response "I will go I will DO!" particularly when accompanied by primary children, however it is Lehi's request preceeding the response that touched my heart. Lehi was so patient and very loving although repeatedly tormented by non-believers both strangers and family. He only cracks once under pressure, but often he talks with the tenderness of a parent who's heart is crumbling under the knowledge that his sons are not going to make it to heaven with him :(
After Nephi returns, full of the spiritual reassurance of the things his father has taught them (both he and his brothers) because he has prayed for the confirmation of that testimony, he learns that his brothers have been giving his dad grief the whole time he was gone having a glorious building experience and his father, poor Lehi, is just tired. "The Lord ordered that you and your brothers should return to the house of Laban and search out the registers of our parents and bring them here to the desert. And now, your brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing that I ask them, but, yet, it is not
I who ask them, but an order of the Lord." ( 1 Nephi 3:5 my translation back to English with italics added) how exhausting, poor Lehi.
He then turns directly to Nephi, as I see it, and says with a pleading in his eye "Go, therefore, my boy, and
you will be blessed by the Lord, because you didn't murmur." If for no other reason, Nephi has the promise that he will be blessed because he didn't murmur. In portuguese "seras abencoado' is absolutely direct - the future definitive -leaving no doubt that Lehi knew what Nephi's response would be.
Nephi's response was not one of just faith; he would go and do because the Lord always prepared a way so he would this time. Nephi's response was more than just "I will" in staunch courage. Nephi's response was a comfort to his darling, old, withering, father who had been weather beaten by bullying sons for after Nephi says he will, "and it came to pass that when my dad heard these words, he rejoiced (within himself, throughout himself) because
he knew that the Lord had blessed me." (1 Nephi 3:8) Not only had the Lord blessed Nephi, but he had blessed Lehi through this righteous son. I feel the father's weight of sorrow lift as at least one son shows the testimony through word and action that he feels in his heart, for "rejubilou-se."
The table was set with care. Doilies are a must, very glamorous. All the flatware had been be-dazzled. Of course the teacups were personally monogramed for the big day celebration...
Viola! Our beautiful princess became queen of the day on her very first Birthday Tea Party! (not her first birthday, her first Tea Party, 3rd b-day)
Of course, Danny only came for the food, and hey, if he had to wear the 'crown' (it was a Happy Birthday tiara, but masculine because it was just silver with no glitter) to get what he wanted, fine.
We finally made it to the zoo on my birthday. It was alright. I was grumpy so my view of the place was a bit jaded. It was a pretty interactive place. Faith got to ride this large African antelope....
The rhinos actually moved, every other zoo I have been to that has rhinos they seem to just be large rocks. These guys were eating and turning their massive heads and you were actually really close to them. They were Josh's favorite.
Kids as little Joeys, or is that what you call a baby wallabe? Their wallabe habitat was open to get right up to the animals (you can't pet them so what is the point) even if the wallabes had wised up and never if came close to the meager rope that seperated my children from their soft furry coats. I've never heard of a wallabe attack so I guess that is why the think it is safe to let small children within arms reach of the critters.
This habitat didn't have a sign. The dark cave entrance was a bit ominous but we figured if we sent Danny first then we could all go in after while the critter was either chawing on him or kissing is lovely cuddly cheeks.
