Max's Talk

Max gave a talk in primary yesterday.  Tears escaped my eyes as I listen to him read his talk. It was the first time he gave a talk without me helping him. It’s hard to believe a year and half ago he couldn’t read at all. Now he can read, write, and loves math. The way I wrote his talk was by asking how he tries to be reverent at church, home and school. When you read the talk it’s his own words of how he tries to be reverent.  

Max’s talk

My talk is on how reverence for God helps me respect and love others.

First I want to tell you what reverence means. It's when you have a feeling or attidude of deep respect with a regard for others. Reverence makes you feel calm, happy, and have peace.

When I'm reverent I feel excited, because of a happy feeling I have.

Here are some ideas on how I have tried to be reverent.

At church the way I try to be reverent is by being quiet, seated nicely, not running in the church building, I know if I ran in the church building it would make God sad.  I try to listen to the teachers and read scriptures. When I think of Heavenly Father it helps peace dwell my heart and I can behave easier.  

When I’m at home I try to be reverent by not hitting others, by doing what my mother and dad tells me.  When my parents ask me to clean my room or clean the table I do it right away.  When I pray and read scriptures it helps me to feel God near.  I only listen to music that God when want me to hear. I only watch movies that invite a good spirit and not a bad one. I try always to tell others thank you or you’re welcome because it helps me feel closer to Heavenly Father.

At school I try to be reverent by not hitting or saying bad words. I try not to say things that will hurt others feelings. I listen to my teacher, even though it’s hard sometimes.  When my teacher gives me a school work I try to do it.  I try to never yell or scream at others. Even at school I always try to say thank you to my teacher and friends. I know it helps me to be grateful.

When I get upset with my school teacher or friend I take a deep breath and breathe in and breathe out. I pray for help to be nice. I think of primary songs that have words that will help me chose the right.  Like the song,” I tried to be kind to everyone for that is right you see, so I say to myself remember this, kindness begins with me.”

It is not enough to behave reverently; we must feel it in our hearts.  Reverent behavior without a reverent attitude is empty of meaning if it is performed only for the praise from others.

When I am praying, going to church and living the commandments I’m showing reverence to God.  When I show reverence to God it helps me have a desire to respect and love others. 

Reverence is something we feel inside no matter what is going on around us. It is a personal responsibility. We cannot blame others for disturbing our reverent attitudes.

When I’m reverent I feel calm and relaxed.  I’m thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and for Jesus Christ who are an example of how I should be.  I hope each one of us can be an example to others by showing reverence to our Heavenly Father.