"And my father dwelt in a tent."

 I began reading the Book of Mormon again recently. This time, I grabbed a cheap/flimsy copy that the elders left once and am marking that up. Also, I am trying to read it from a parenting perspective of how parents in the scriptures interact with their children.

For the first time, this verse stood out to me and has caused me to ponder it for several days.

1 Nephi 2:15 "And my father dwelt in a tent." Nephi says this regarding his father, Lehi. This verse comes immediately after Lehi chastises Laman and Lemuel for their lack of faith. Directly after this verse, Nephi continues on about his desire to know the mysteries of God.

I wonder why this verse was included. As we read the footnotes, we learn of other verses that point out individuals living or dwelling in tents. So we know it was common and the fact that Lehi does it isn't a shock to anyone. At least I think so. My first idea was this points to the importance of parents taking "time outs." We need to care for ourselves since Lehi did too. But that didn't seem right either.

When I examine the word "dwell," there are two main definitions. One is to live/reside/stay at. The other is definitely more interesting for me to contemplate:

"think, speak, or write at length about"

 So was Lehi dwelling in the tent as simply to live/reside/rest. Or was he dwelling there to think and speak at length about his family and the things the Lord had commanded him. At first, I questioned why this verse was included as wondering why we needed to know that Lehi went to his tent.

But if I look at it through the alternate definition, it makes more sense. Here, Lehi is conversing with his children. He has instructed them of their poor choices. As a mom, it is NEVER fun to point out the poor choices of a child. It hurts me to have to do that. While necessary to instruct and teach and discipline, it is still difficult as a parent. Immediately after Lehi does this to Laman and Lemuel, he "thinks, speaks, or writes at length about" it. How often do I pause to think about and write about my trials and challenges with my children? How often do I pause to plead for help from my Heavenly Father as I raise His children? Would I be a better parent if I reflected on my parenting choices after the fact? Would I learn and remember what worked and what didn't if I recorded my feelings after disciplining a child? Would I remember what works for each child individually rather than doing what worked for my oldest and assuming it will work for the rest?

I tried to see if this verse is connected to any conference talks. According to scriptures.byu.edu, it's not. Maybe one day someone important will speak on it more. I am comforted to hear Nephi's testimony immediately after this. Most likely, Lehi and Sariah raised their children in roughly the same manner and environment. And yet, two children went astray and two (at the time) stayed true to the commandments of God. Nephi writes that he believed all the words Lehi spoke. What comfort this brings that as I try to raise my children in the best way I can, I will have done all I can do. Some will stay and some may astray. And some that go astray may come back. I can pray and I can dwell in my spiritual tent as I strive to raise His children.