1 Nephi 1:1

Just over twelve years ago, I read the Book of Mormon for the first time. It was my senior year, winter/spring of 2008. A few months later, I would be baptized. I still vividly recall sitting in my room late one night and beginning the Book of Mormon. My intent in reading it was never to join the Church but rather to find fault with the book. Each morning I would take the book and hide it between my mattress and box spring. And every night I'd pull it back out to continue reading.

After I was baptized and especially after I was married, I longed for the day to share my love for that book with my children. I have a strong testimony of its truth and I looked forward to seeing my children gain their personal testimony.

The other night, Ashton began reading the Book of Mormon for the first time. Her reading skills are up to the level of reading scriptures so she began with 1 Nephi 1:1. It thrilled my heart to hear her read that verse and continue throughout the chapter. Many memories came flooding back; some good and some not so good. I reflected on the feeling I felt when I knew the book was true. I reflected on the feeling I felt when my family chose to not support my decision.

But my biggest feeling was pure joy. Joy in knowing that my children will read that book and will have the opportunity to know it's true. I do not know if my children will stay active in the Church. I do not know what their future will be. They each have their agency. But I do know that Ashton felt the spirit as she read those verses. It was pure joy to listen to her read the same verses that changed my life forever twelve years ago and to know that those verses can change her life forever as well.