cHiLdHoOd.

It's almost too mysterious to the point where it makes it a challenge to write about.  Christ talks about becoming as a little child. Its unclear simplicity that I have such a hard time wrapping my mind around makes me believe its significance and importance is so much higher than I can comprehend.

What goes on in the mind of a child?  Their brains have been opened and aware to the point where they can soak up information like the lens of a camera soaks up the sunlight.  They carry precious traits of innocence, humility, meekness, and trust.  

And they each have unique personalities that a parent's nurturing can only shape so much of (which helps my testimony of the pre-existence grow, knowing they were spirits and individuals before this life took place).

When I was asked to work in nursery in this last ward, I remember being a little nervous and probably even a little disappointed at first.  But when my bishop set me apart, he talked about how significant and vital this calling truly is. I have the chance to interact with these flawless souls in such a crucial time in their lives, where the amount of love they receive now will effect the outcome of their spirits and their testimonies.  My bishop's voice trembled and he fought back tears as he mentioned Christ powerful love he had for his little ones, how he would take them in his arms and bless them one by one.

I think of the story in 3rd Nephi chapter 17 in the scriptures....

 11 And it came to pass that he commanded that their little children should be brought.

 12 So they brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and the multitude gave way till they had all been brought unto him.

...

 17And no ^tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.

 ...

 21And when he had said these words, he ^wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and ^blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

 22And when he had done this he wept again;

 23And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

 24And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.

 25And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every man for himself; and they were in number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children.

This subject puts butterflies in my stomach.  I am so excited knowing I haven't even scratched the surface of the essence of childhood.  I still haven't experienced a newborn baby being placed in my arms, or a toddler singing a whispered falsetto to her stuffed animals, or a tiny boy racing through the grass in his bare feet.  I still have so much to learn about children and their mystery!  I love kids so much!  I can't wait for the day to come when I get to experience motherhood.