Mormon 1:2

"And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe."
Mormon 1:2


This morning I am thinking about all of the boy prophets throughout the scriptures.  Why does God work through children?  Is it because they are the only ones who will listen to him?  Do we grow up and become cynical about being able to hear the Lord?  Do we become hardened against the things of the spirit?  Scary thought.  So, as adult-types, how do we un-harden ourselves?  how do we become more spiritually aware, and less cynical?  Two clues are here in this scripture... being sober, and quick to observe.  Sober, besides meaning not under the influence of alcohol, has a few other meanings.  Two of them are not exaggerated or distorted, and characterized by reason, sanity, or self control... showing mental and emotional balance.  Ah. :)  So, we can apply all of those meanings here... we can pull ourselves out from under the influence of our addictions, as well as maintaining (or obtaining, as the case may be) some sanity and balance in our lives.  As for being quick to observe... we can be aware of the things that God does for us in our lives.  They are all around us constantly, but sometimes we tune in only to the new and different and take for granted all the things that the Lord has blessed us with every day.  Children have a sense of wonder, because they are seeing so many things in the world for the first time.  At what point do we look at a mountain or a tree and just think that they are the same old thing as every day?  At what point in our lives do we stop staring at the clouds, or being amazed by the stars?  Let's be quick to observe all of the amazing things that God has granted us in this world... and maybe we'll lose that cynical edge of adulthood, and be able to hear the Lord more clearly. :)