Wisdom is knowing things as they are, as they were and as they are to come.  Well, actually, that is truth and wisdom is the understanding of truth.  Using wisdom would mean applying truth in decisions.  Therefore, we must use a combination of foresight and hindsight in making decisions pertaining to truth as we live each moment.  I generally consider myself fairly wise. And yet, somehow, eighteen years ago I failed in the Wisdom Department.

When Chani was just past her first birthday, our ward wanted a baby doll for the Christmas display during Sacrament meeting. Chani's special doll was chosen.  Forever after that, her name for her doll was Baby Jesus.  Having set the vocabulary ground rules for her younger siblings, they persisted in the treasured title.

Today I told my eleven-year-old son to get rid of the broken toys and the ones no longer used.  (A semi frequent occurrence around here).  Nathan likes things detailed, he really hates to make mistakes.  I went through the list of what would qualify as 'bad' toys.  In this case, I defined it as not immoral of course, but discarded, taking space when not used, destroyed...trash.

He went downstairs and shortly returned.  "Do you want me to get rid of Baby Jesus?"

"No...that is where you have to think about it...don't get rid of things that are important, have sentimental value, or are still used."

"Well, nobody plays with Baby Jesus."

"Well, certainly he is still loved."

"Not really, somebody wrote all over his body with permanent marker and one of his eyes is missing."

"Well...yes...that is discarded, taking up space, not used, destroyed...trash."

"So, you want me to throw Baby Jesus away?"

Shock and horror!  How did I ever allow the doll to be named Baby Jesus!!!!

The articles were written in the hope that they will help mothers realize just how normal chaotic life with children really is and how priceless the journey.