There are times that parents say NO! When I was young my dad wanted us to go up to Phoenix to visit somebody, I don't remember who, I just remember that I did not want to go. I was plenty old enough to stay home and that is what I wanted. I kept bugging my dad, pleading with him to "leave me home". He said NO. We all piled in our orange pumpkin van and traveled up to Phoenix. On the way home, I was still pouting and complaining about being there. We were at a stop light, I remember clear as day. Dad stopped and turned around and began talking with me, probably putting me in my spot. The light turned green and Dad was still turned around talking with me; cars behind him honked their horns. He turned around to drive and at that very moment a car ran the red light. If Dad had not been talking with me, we would have been T-boned. As we got home that evening, Dad told me, "I don't know why I didn't feel good about you staying home today, but the experience we had on the way home could have been a very serious one if I would have let you stay home."
This experience has come to my memory recently because I had to tell one of my children "NO". I don't know why I feel so strongly about not letting him participate in an activity that seems okay, but after recalling this memory I've decided that I may never know the "why" of saying NO. If my feeling is NO, I should realize the Spirit is guiding me and stick to my answer of NO. Saying NO is hard for me. I hate seeing my child moping around the house, feeling like he's picked on, under appreciated, never getting to do what he wants, etc. I remember being a child and hating the word NO.
Looking back, I am very grateful for a dad who listened to the spirit and said NO. My family could have been in a very serious accident, while I stayed home. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost who guides, warns and protects and sometimes even says NO.
Shannon Morley
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