The gift that never goes out of style: The Gift of the Holy Ghost

As a child I hated to wake up from my night time dreams of a large room with a frilly canopy bed, countless stuffed animals and doll houses, and all the candy I could eat. My real life as the oldest child seemed dull and devoid of the nice things that I was sure other children received. I remember being allowed to have one birthday party as a little girl. I greeted my guests at the door and eagerly took from them my birthday presents. This day was all about me. Disappointed in my selfishness, my mom decided that I wouldn't have any more friend birthday parties. That may also be why I don't like to have friend birthday parties for my children. You're welcome, darling children, from my six year-old self. To this day I'm not a very good gift giver. I don't want to squander my money on something that isn't appreciated or needed.

Last week I attended the baptism of a child in our ward (congregation). After being baptized, he received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the fourth principle/ordinance as listed in the the fourth article of faith: "We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Before receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, this boy's mother talked to him and compared the Holy Ghost to his blanket. She reminded him about how much he loves his blanket and how it comforts him and makes him feel better. I've heard this analogy before, but because of the sweet spirit of this boy and his mother, I gained a better understanding. Children who are eight years-old may seem too old to be attached to a blanket or stuffed animal and too young to understand deep topics. That's why eight years old is such a great age to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. My eight year-old son has a stuffed bear sewn to a tiny blanket that he calls Carter. He loves Carter. He sleeps with him still and when he's sick or tired or upset, he cuddles with Carter. He's not allowed to bring Carter out of his room because we don't want it to get lost and because he should be old enough not to carry it around everywhere. A couple of months ago as a consequence for lying and stealing, my son had Carter taken away. He cried himself to sleep. But that was the turning point for him in wanting to fix his mistakes and not lie anymore. He wanted Carter back so he returned all the items he'd stolen and confessed his lies. When he fixed his mistakes and was able to have Carter back, he began to be guided again by the Holy Ghost to remember other things he'd stolen or lied about. He had a desire to do what is right, not just for the benefit of having his stuffed friend, but because he wanted to feel good inside.

The Holy Ghost is often called the comforter. He testifies of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. He witnesses of truth. If we've been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, then when we make good choices, the Holy Ghost is our constant companion--like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal that we don't have to hide in our bedroom. When we sin, the Holy Ghost leaves, like my son having Carter taken away.  The Holy Ghost is a gift that will never fade or dull, be too large or small, too old or new, or go out of style. It is more valuable to me then a frilly bed or chocolate or birthday presents. I want to keep the commandments so I can always have the comfort and guidance of the Holy Ghost.