Missionaries in the Making

When my parents left on their mission a couple of years ago I had a realization: There would be a cousin or grandparent out on their mission from now until my own boys go on their missions. I wanted to really point out these wonderful examples in my boy's lives. I am a visual person, and so I thought of a mission board. I made one awhile ago. Here is the result:

I got a map and embellished it in photoshop. I put photos of missionaries, scriptures, moroni, and of course Christ throughout the world. I also put "Now behold a marvellous work is about to come forth among the children of men..." on the map, and at the top it says "We'll bring the world His truth."

On one side, it says "Those serving in the field" and has photos of cousins that are serving as missionaries right now (currently Steven Smith and Reuben Leavitt.)

On the other side, it says "Missionaries in the Making" and has photos of when each of our boys were about 2 1/2 dressed up as missionaries. I just recently took Daniel's photo. Isn't he Cute?

And then on the bottom it says "behold a royal army" and under this are lots of photos of everyone of my boy's grandparents, aunties, uncles, or cousins that have served a mission with their name and where they served printed on the side.

I told one of my friends about my mission board, and she was a little worried about me forcing decisions onto my boys, but I don't see it that way. I feel that all children grow up to make their own decisions, but as parents it is our duty and purpose to teach and inspire our children to be smarter, wiser, and better then we are. That means we need to be diligent in everything we do.

I know I was changed for the better by my mission. It was an incredible experience that helped make me who I am today. Of course I want this coming-of-age experience for my children, to help them be the best versions of themselves.

And of course, service is part of our family motto. I recently found out that a family I taught and saw baptized on my mission is still active. "How sweet shall be joy within...." I literally started crying for joy. How I love those people in Virginia and North Carolina. I believe I was meant to serve them and besides, I was serving the Lord at least.

I think our Mission board has been effective so far. The boys often will mention Steven and Reuben in their prayers without any coaxing, and they know what being a missionary is about. So for the next 13 years, until the missionary life really effects our little family, the examples of those around us will be enough to inspire our boys to be missionaries in the making.