I re-read Jospeh Smith's testimony regarding the experience he had getting the gold plates, looking for ways to look at this experience differently. I read about how Joseph Smith had been visited by Angel Moroni 3 times in the night, and then once more in the morning, and then how Moroni instructed Joseph to tell his father.
I think the fact that his father was able to confirm to Joseph that the vision was from God accomplished a couple of things. As the patriarch of the home, Joseph's father was able to confirm for Joseph that he was doing the right thing. Even though he was the one who had experienced the First Vision, and visited with the angel through the night, Joseph was taught that his father would be there for him and give him guidance and help. Joseph learned (or had it confirmed to him) that his father was able to discern spiritual truth, and recognize the source of good.
It made me think about my role as a father, and how crucial it is for me to be close enough to the spirit so that I can play that vital role for my family. Not to say that my children will have visions, but they will go through times when they need strength and wisdom, and I need to be ready for that when it comes. I also need to be living my life so that they feel like it is productive to come to me for this help, and not some source outside the home, where they will get advice and help from potentially the wrong sources. I hope that when that moment comes, I will be able to both bear witness to my kids (as Joseph's father did), and then encourage action (as Joseph's father did).
I love my family, and I hope that I can be a better husband and father, a better priesthood holder, and a better son of God. There is always much to improve, and I hope to keep working at it so I can one day be the kind of son that Heavenly Father needs me to be.
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