"The Great Plan of Happiness—Know, Follow, Teach, Testify, and Rejoice"

Coleen K. Menlove
Primary General President

Primary is a joyful place. It is a place where children feel welcome, feel love, and feel the Spirit. It is a place where they are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to live it with joy. Primary is a place where leaders and teachers can look into the eyes of Heavenly Father’s little ones and sense who these children are and who they can become. Primary is a place where all—leaders, teachers, and children—learn and testify of the hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). The reason for our hope is God’s love for us and His desire for us to return and become like Him. Our hope is based upon the promises found in God’s great plan of happiness.

All who serve in Primary work together to teach and testify of the great plan of happiness which is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The doctrine and principles taught in the 2005 Outline for Sharing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation, “I Will Follow God’s Plan for Me,” can bring hope and joy into the lives of leaders, teachers, children, and their families.

KNOW AND FOLLOW

Before we can teach and testify of God’s plan to others, we need to know—really know—for ourselves what God’s plan is. We come to this knowledge through our own efforts of studying and pondering the words of the scriptures and latter–day prophets. Prayer invites the Spirit to testify of the truth of God’s plan. We can know so deeply that our spirits will again shout “for joy” (see Job 38:7), as we did in the Council in Heaven. Elder Maxwell said, “The clearer one’s views, the more one sees ‘things as they really are,’ the greater the happiness!” (Neal A. Maxwell, “In Him All Things Hold Together,” Brigham Young University 1990–91 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1991], 106).

The eyes of the children are upon us. A young father said that as parents he and his wife are teaching their children gospel principles, but they want their children to receive in Primary another witness of the plan from Primary teachers who are living the gospel. What does a testimony of Heavenly Father’s plan look like in our lives? In part, it looks like striving—striving each day to make the right choices that demonstrate our desire to follow God’s plan, to be a reference point for making decisions about how we view life and how we respond to life’s circumstances.

We can learn from having our eyes upon the children. I recently attended a sacrament meeting at a local children’s medical center and visited a girl suffering with leukemia. We spoke of the possibility that she might not be able to attend school next year. She had hope for her recovery, and yet, if not, she trusted in Heavenly Father’s love. Yes, there is a sadness that hovers over such children and their families, but there is also a feeling of peace and hope that can accompany such an experience because of their faith and willingness to submit to God’s plan. As President Howard W. Hunter so clearly expressed, “If our lives and our faith are centered upon Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong” (Howard W. Hunter, “Following the Master: Teachings of President Howard W. Hunter,” Ensign, Apr. 1995, 21). Everything can be eternally right when our hope is based upon eternal perspective.

TEACH AND TESTIFY

In Primary we work together to teach and testify of God’s plan. Presidency members and music leaders teach and testify in sharing time. Teachers teach and bear witness of these truths in the classroom. Activity day leaders contribute to a child’s understanding of gospel principles as they provide opportunities that emphasize living these principles each day. We can ask questions to determine what children know, to find out what they need to have clarified, and to help them think more deeply about how to apply gospel principles in their lives. When some Primary–age children were asked, “What is God’s plan for us?” their answers included: “Be nice,” “Get baptized and make right choices,” “Live happy while we are here,” “Marry someone good in the temple,” and “Be resurrected and live eternally with God and my family.” Each lesson, each experience is important to children’s overall line–upon–line understanding, their testimony, and their desire to follow God’s plan. Let’s review the important events and teachings of the plan so we will be better prepared to know, follow, teach, testify, and rejoice in it.

Council in Heaven

We learn from the scriptures that in the premortal world, “a council in heaven was once convened in which we participated. There our Heavenly Father announced His divine plan. It is also called the plan of happiness, the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, the plan of restoration, the plan of mercy, the plan of deliverance, and the everlasting gospel. The purpose of the plan is to provide opportunity for the spirit children of God to progress toward an eternal exaltation” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Creation,” Ensign, May 2000, 84).

When our Heavenly Father gave us His plan, we were so happy we “shouted for joy!” (see Job 38:7). We rejoiced that the Lord would provide an earth for us where we could receive a body, be part of a family, be tested, and learn to choose the right. We knew we would face trials, but we were glad for an opportunity to learn by using our agency and being accountable for our choices. We were grateful that Jesus Christ offered to be our Savior and make it possible for us to repent for our sins. Our loving relationship with Heavenly Father and with Jesus Christ surely guided our choice to declare our desire to follow Heavenly Father’s plan.

All Primary teachers can know and testify of the Council in Heaven. Even the first few lessons in the Primary 1 manual describe a child’s relationship with God and His plan for us. Knowledge of the Council in Heaven and God’s plan is a reason for hope, and hope is the reason for our joy.

Creation

Our Father’s plan required the creation of the earth we now live on. Lessons in the Primary manuals teach about the Creation of the earth. There is a sense of wonder as we try to comprehend the great beauty and variety of the earth and life. My husband and I remember simple expressions of wonder from our children. One young son put his hand out a window during a rainstorm and said, “Look, I catched a thirsty thing.” Another said, “It’s too bad about the worms. They just get eaten by the birds.” I am sure your memories also include words of wonderment from children. Listen to and treasure the words of children, for they help us see with new eyes the creation and the Creator.

Even as we marvel at the beautiful creations all around us, we remember that the scriptures teach and the prophets testify that we are the greatest of all God’s creations—for we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27). Of all of God’s creations, man is the most miraculous. President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: “I believe in the wonders of the human body and the miracle of the human mind. Have you ever contemplated the wonder of yourself, the eyes with which you see, the ears with which you hear, the voice with which you speak?” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “I Believe,” Ensign, Aug. 1992, 2).

Adam and Eve, the first people to live upon the earth, were children of God. Their bodies of flesh and bone were made in the image of God’s. They were not subject to death and were unable to have children. If that state had not changed, we all would have been stranded among the heavenly hosts as unborn sons and daughters of God and the great plan of happiness could not have been fulfilled (see Alma 42:5). When a group of Primary children were asked why the earth was created, one little girl answered, “Heavenly Father sent us to earth because we had to be somewhere.” Another child knowingly responded, “If we’re going to be like Him, we need to have a body.”

Heavenly Father gave Adam and Eve the commandment to have children. This made it necessary for them to eat of the forbidden fruit. By giving this commandment, the Lord offered two other gifts—agency and accountability. “Though our understanding of the Creation is limited, we know enough to appreciate its supernal significance” (Nelson, “The Creation,” Ensign, May 2000, 85). We know and we can testify that the Creation of the earth and its inhabitants is part of an eternal plan, and the plan is a reason for our hope, and hope is the reason for our joy.

Fall, Atonement, and Resurrection

The plan of happiness required the Creation, and that, in turn, necessitated the Fall, the Atonement, and the Resurrection. The Fall was the transgression of the law forbidding Adam and Eve to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This transgression required an infinite Atonement to redeem Adam, Eve, and all their posterity, thereby enabling physical bodies to be resurrected and changed to an immortal state. A Primary child told her version of the Fall: “They [Adam and Eve] had a beautiful garden and when they were walking through the garden the devil came along to trick them.” A boy explained, “They got kicked out so they could learn things the hard way—but they fulfilled God’s plan.”

The role and mission of the Savior is clearly taught in the scriptures. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16–17). Jesus Christ, who had created the earth under the direction of the Father, came to earth with all the qualifications and power to redeem and resurrect each of us. “In Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Our return to our Heavenly Father is through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus taught, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Through the Atonement and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, mercy overcomes the Fall, and the Savior, Jesus Christ, provides the way home. This knowledge brings deep humility and increased understanding of the Father’s and the Son’s love for us. The Father did not spare His Son, and the Son willingly atoned for us.

Mercy, combined with our repentance, is at the very heart of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the eternal plan of salvation. The Atonement is the supreme expression of our Heavenly Father’s love for us (John 3:16). From before the creation of the earth, the Savior has been our only hope for “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).

Children are capable of learning about and receiving a testimony of the doctrine of the Fall, the Atonement, and the Resurrection. A few years ago, on the morning of the 24th of July, our grandchildren were told that after a long battle with cancer, their Grandpa Lee had died. My husband, who was now their only living grandfather, talked with them about their feelings. The oldest child said his parents had told them Grandfather Lee was continuing his preparation to live with Heavenly Father and they could all live together with Heavenly Father if they continued to be good. Our six–year–old grandson said, “Oh, now grandpa can be with the pioneers on pioneer day.” A family trip to the cemetery brought this expression from a four–year–old: “Oh, look at the beautiful meadow.” Think about this expression, a cemetery is a meadow—a gathering place of earthly bodies waiting for the glorious day of resurrection. The Fall, the Atonement, and the Resurrection are a reason for our hope, and hope is the reason for our joy.

Apostasy

When Christ was on the earth, He established His Church and called Apostles. After the Savior’s and Apostles’ deaths, the Great Apostasy occurred when the priesthood keys were taken from the earth. “Men corrupted the principles of the gospel and made unauthorized changes in Church organization and priesthood ordinances. Because of this widespread wickedness, the Lord withdrew the authority of the priesthood from the earth” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference, [2004], 13). Spiritual darkness covered the earth and the minds of the people (see Isaiah 60:2). A spiritual famine can occur when the teachings of the Lord and His Apostles are denied or not heeded.

Restoration

In 1830 the prophecies of the Restoration were fulfilled when Christ’s Church was organized again upon the earth. “And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, when the fulness of my gospel shall be preached unto them; and they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name. Then shall their watchmen lift up their voice, and with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye” (see 3 Nephi 20:30–32).

President Gordon B. Hinckley’s testimony at the conclusion of the video Special Witnesses of Christ, is a powerful witness of the Restoration, beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith and the First Vision. Joseph Smith was a humble servant, and God restored the fulness of the gospel through him. He was chosen to mark the beginning of “a marvelous work and a wonder” (see 2 Nephi 25:17). Joseph Smith helped usher in the fulness of the gospel when prophets of former dispensations appeared to him and they restored the keys they held for the unfolding of the dispensation of the fulness of times.

In the year 2005, as a Church we will focus on the teachings of the Restoration from the Doctrine and Covenants. We will also commemorate the 200th birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith with many events and activities planned in our local units. This will be an opportunity to renew our testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints.

Book of Mormon. The coming forth of the Restoration began with the First Vision, and was followed by the unearthing of the plates and translation of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon restored many true doctrines, providing further understanding of the great plan of happiness.

Priesthood Authority and Keys. “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof” (Articles of Faith 1:5). “We announce to all the world that they (John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John) did come and that we have received that authority, and all the disbelief of all the world cannot change the fact of those two visitations—those two ordinations” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [1941], 8).

Most children in Primary have been or have seen a baby cradled in the arms of a worthy priesthood holder and have heard the words “By the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood” pronounced. Children who have been baptized have heard these words: “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ” (see D&C 20:73). Those who have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost have also heard similar words. It is our desire that these words of priesthood authority will again be heard by boys as they reach their 12th birthday and are worthy to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. We also help prepare girls to become righteous young women, understand the blessings of the priesthood and the temple, and desire to be wives and mothers.

The keys of the Aaronic Priesthood were restored through John the Baptist. Older boys need to be taught line upon line about the priesthood. A review of the lessons in these manuals indicates they contain ample teachings about the attributes and duties of a worthy priesthood holder. However, when boys are asked about the priesthood and what they are doing to prepare to receive it, their answers often reveal a shallow depth of understanding. The Priesthood Preview is designed to help increase their understanding. This meeting is held under the direction of the priesthood, yet Primary leaders can offer assistance in preparation for these meetings (see Faith in God for Boys guidebook [2003], 18–19).

Baptism. The ordinance of baptism was restored and is the same as when Jesus was baptized. The baptismal covenant is a promise to obey Heavenly Father’s commandments, and it is a promise we strive to keep throughout our lives. In Mosiah we read that when the people came to the waters of Mormon desirous of being baptized as a witness before Him, and entered into a covenant with Him, “they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts” (Mosiah 18:11). The statement in the Faith in God guidebooks on pages 2–3 helps children to understand the baptismal covenant and the purpose of the sacrament.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Gift of the Holy Ghost was restored to the earth through priesthood authority. “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5). Children need to know they can be guided, warned, protected, comforted, and blessed by the Holy Ghost when they try to do what is right.

Temples. The Restoration brought temple covenants and the turning of the hearts of the children to their fathers. In the temple, we may be married for time and all eternity. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints is organized to accomplish the purposes and promises of the Lord. We have been promised that the Church will never again be destroyed (see D&C 138:44). “It is only in the bright light of the restored gospel that we can see the truth as to who we really are and what our possibilities are!” (Maxwell, “In Him All Things Hold Together,” 107). Primary children can know that the reason for their hope is that they belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints.

Eternal Life

We have spoken of miracles, the Creation, the gift of agency, the Atonement, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Apostasy, and the Restoration, and yet the greatest miracles are yet to come. As Elder Ballard teaches, “[The greatest of all miracles] will occur when, by his power, we will come forth from death and the grave to a new world that will not pass away, where, if we are worthy, we will be with him and our Father in Heaven forever and ever” (M. Russell Ballard, “God's Love for His Children,” Ensign, May 1988, 59). “If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, 1976, 216). “The Lord loves each of us too much to merely let us go on being what we now are for he knows what we have the possibility to become!” (Maxwell, “In Him All Things Hold Together,” 107).

In Primary we assist parents by being another witness of Heavenly Father’s love and His plan for each of us to return. Yet for some children who come to Primary, we may be the first to teach and testify of God’s plan. Five–year–old Jimmy was walking home from church with his parents, who had only recently begun to attend church again after a 17–year absence. Jimmy began to tell them what he was learning in Primary. His eyes were bright with the excitement of knowing something he was sure his parents did not. He began by saying, “Did you know that we got to vote about coming to earth?” He didn’t wait for a response; he just continued: “The Primary president told us about this Council in Heaven, where we all decided about how we wanted it to be on earth. And I didn’t believe her, so you know what I said? I said, ‘How do you know?’ She told me that God talks to men on earth. Did you know that? And those men that He talks to are called prophets—and then they write down everything that God told them on this thin little paper and it has gold around the edges of the paper and the books are called scriptures. Do you think we can get some?”

Jimmy’s mother nodded her head yes and squeezed in an “Uh huh.” Jimmy continued, “And then any question—any question—you have in the whole world you can find the answer in those books.” The mother’s response was “Yes, that is nice, isn’t it.” Jimmy’s face and tone changed. He stopped and turned to his parents. Then he asked with a serious sincerity, “Did you know about this?” “Why of course, we—.” Jimmy didn’t let his mother finish. His eyes filled with tears, and he asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?” His mother’s reply was “I don’t know, Jimmy. I just don’t know. But I promise you, I will never keep the truth from you again” (personal correspondence).

Children are depending on us, and we cannot and must not be too distracted or too busy to learn, follow, teach, and testify by word and deed of God’s plan. The great plan of happiness is the reason for our hope, and hope is the reason for our joy.

OUR PART IN THE GREAT PLAN OF HAPPINESS

We are called to be on the Lord’s errand to assist in the work of helping others come unto Christ and become like Christ. The scriptures contain the revealed truths about God’s plan, and when we teach from the scriptures we invite the Spirit to teach and testify. It would be well to counsel together about more effective ways to invite children to learn from the scriptures (see “Helps for the Teacher” in Primary 2 through Primary 7 manuals and Teaching, No Greater Call).

The Church has produced many resources to assist us. True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference can be a companion book to our study of the scriptures. Each month The Friend magazine includes helpful articles and ideas. The Gospel Art Picture Kit contains visual helps for teaching the gospel. Both of these are on the Church Web site, www.lds.org, along with many other helps. Under “Serving in the Church,” Primary also has a wealth of helps and how–to ideas for presidencies, music, and activity day leaders. Keep your eyes on the www.lds.org Web site and you will see many new additions. There are also Church videos such as Sharing Time with President Gordon B. Hinckley, Special Witnesses of Christ, and the new DVD The Restoration. Teaching, No Greater Call can give us ideas on how to teach in ways that engage children during Primary on Sunday and for activity days.

The Children’s Songbook is one of our greatest resources for teaching. We can teach, testify, and bring to remembrance God’s plan through music. I have often been reassured of the sweet, simple principles of the gospel as I listen to recordings of the Children’s Songbook while I am doing housework or involved in other tasks. Primary songs help all of us to “be filled with songs of everlasting joy” (D&C 138:33). Music leaders are gospel doctrine teachers who teach and testify through music. Music helps children carry the gospel in their hearts as they learn, remember, and sing about the beautiful plan of happiness.

Support Others as They Learn, Follow, Teach, and Testify

It is our opportunity and responsibility to provide experiences for children that allow them to discover through the scriptures and the Spirit what Heavenly Father has personally designed for each of them. How many lessons will children experience in sharing time and in classrooms? Will each of these lessons be taught by a teacher who knows, follows, teaches, and testifies of God’s plan? Will Primary children learn and sing songs that teach and testify of our Heavenly Father’s plan? Each lesson and each song contributes to the whole of their understanding.

Who is responsible for the quality of teaching in Primary? We all are, individually and collectively, but ward presidency members have been given a great responsibility and trust to support teachers as they work to fulfill the sacred calling they have been given. Remember to invite the ward teacher improvement coordinator to help support and strengthen those who are called to teach. Support and reassurance is needed right from the beginning when a call is issued to teach in Primary, whether it be as a class teacher, in the nursery, with music, as an activity day leader for the girls, or as a Cub Scout or an 11–year–old Scout leader for the boys.

Orient New Leaders and Teachers

Stake Primary presidencies may be asked to orient ward presidencies and ward presidencies to orient newly called teachers. What do we want to happen? I can still remember as a stake Primary president sitting with my counselors and a newly called ward Primary presidency around my dining room table. While we were talking and answering their questions about schedules, policies, and other things of lesser importance, I can remember thoughts in my mind such as “How can I help them understand how important they can be in the lives of the children? What can I do to help strengthen their commitment and ability to love and teach the children? How can I help them desire to seek and respond to the Spirit? How can I encourage them to seek direction from their priesthood leader?” I remember thinking how important this orientation might be. My example could make a difference in how this ward presidency would orient each Primary teacher in their ward.

Stake and ward Primary presidencies, when you orient new teachers consider including the following:

• Help the teacher understand the importance of their call to love and teach children the gospel.
• Encourage the teacher to study and use the scriptures as they teach.
• Discuss the principles of effective teaching as outlined in the beginning of the Primary lesson manual and “Gospel Teaching and Leadership,” section 16 of the Church Handbook of Instructions: Book 2. Give the teacher a copy of Teaching, No Greater Call and help him or her know how to use these supporting materials.
• Ask the teacher to observe the teaching methods used in sharing time by members of the presidency, and suggest that these methods could be adapted for use in the classroom.
• Ensure that the teacher receives the needed Church materials, including lesson materials and a class roll listing all the names of those who should attend.
• Instruct the teacher in how to use the meetinghouse library, and encourage him or her to use it as a resource.
• Inform teachers of meetings (and the benefits of attending those meetings).
• Offer to give ongoing support, and indicate that members of the presidency will be visiting the class and can assist with the lesson and any behavior concerns.
• Bear your testimony of how important it is to teach with the Spirit.

(See Church Handbook of Instructions Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], "Gospel Teaching and Leadership," Section 16.)

A young father who was called to teach the Valiant 10 class, shared this experience: “After I accepted my calling, the Primary president, Sister Hansen, called and set up a time to meet with me. Along with my lesson book and supplies, I was given a folder. The folder included a roll, the lesson schedule for my class, a list of the monthly Primary themes for the year, a schedule for sharing time and opening exercises listing when it was my class’s turn to help, a substitute list, and the names and phone numbers of the Primary presidency. The folder has made teaching a lot easier, and when I have needed a substitute, all the information the substitute needs is at hand in the folder.

“Sister Hansen also discussed each child with me so I would know what to expect. She told me that one child has the answer to every question, one is quiet, and one is only there every other week.

“The first day of class I was better prepared because I knew what to expect and how to handle it. I can tell that Sister Hansen loves and knows each child in the Primary. I am thankful for all the time she spent helping me so I can be more effective in teaching my class”.

Music leaders also need to receive an orientation that helps them understand the importance of their call and the responsibility they have to teach gospel principles through music. President Hinckley has said that we must carry the gospel in our hearts (see Gordon B. Hinckley, “Inspirational Thoughts,” Ensign, Apr. 2002, 3), and Primary songs help place gospel principles into the hearts of children now and can bless them in the future. Think how music leaders have blessed you with the Primary songs in your hearts. Encourage music leaders to learn or review the suggestions in the Children’s Songbook on how to teach a song to children, and suggest that they use the Church music Web site at www.lds.org.

Also consider ways presidency members and others can support activity day leaders in helping children understand how to choose to live the gospel every day with joy. The Church Web site under Serving in the Church>Primary>Faith in God in Activity Days will be a great help in understanding how to support activity day leaders. As we study and ponder the purpose of activity days and the Faith in God guidebook with the 2005 theme in mind, we can help make stronger connections among all who serve in Primary.

Give Ongoing Support

Supporting those who teach Primary children means more than just giving an effective orientation. It includes follow–up contacts and discussions with them about their needs and concerns. Leaders can ask questions, such as these to help discover specific ways to help:

• How are you feeling about your calling as a teacher?
• Are there some experiences you have had with your class that you would like to talk about?
• What are some of your most successful teaching experiences?
• What are some specific needs of individual children?
• What are some of your goals as a teacher? What can I do to help you accomplish your goals?
• What are some topics you feel should be addressed in teacher improvement meetings?

(See “Improving Gospel Teaching: A Leader's Guide, [1998], 5.)

You as leaders can help teachers see their strengths and the good things they are accomplishing, as well as help them consider possible ways to resolve their concerns. Although leaders may want to suggest specific ideas to help teachers achieve their goals, care should be taken not to overwhelm teachers with too many ideas. If teachers express feelings of inadequacy, help them understand that the Lord has called them and He will bless them as they seek His guidance in their preparations and feelings of love for the children.

As Primary presidency members, you can arrange with the teachers to occasionally visit their classes. Offer to assist in the class with whatever the teacher feels will be helpful, such as presenting part of the lesson, reaching out to a particular child, assisting with activities, or just observing and then verbalizing to the children your support of their teacher.

The most important part of a class visit may be your discussion afterwards with the teacher when you express appreciation, listen to their needs, and express confidence in them. Leaders are often reluctant to say anything to teachers who may need help. However, President Spencer W. Kimball said, “I find myself hungering and thirsting for just a word of appreciation or of honest evaluation from my superiors and peers. I want no praise; I want no flattery; I am seeking only to know if what I gave was acceptable” (Spencer W. Kimball, “How to Evaluate Your Performance,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1969, 28).

Most leaders do not have difficulty expressing appreciation. Yet we often struggle with giving an honest evaluation. How can we counsel with charity and humility? How can we help teachers plan for improvement without discouraging them?

First, be positive. Start by saying, “Let me tell you what I noticed about class today.” Then tell the teacher all the good things you saw, such as: “Johnny lit up when you had the children sing.” Next you could ask the teacher, “Do you have any concerns about the lesson or the children today?” Listen to the teacher’s responses; then offer to help him or her find answers. If a teacher doesn’t mention a concern you have, you might say something like, “How did you feel about the behavior of the two boys on the back row?” Listen to what is said and try to understand the teacher’s feelings before you respond. Make sure you are acting in a spirit of love. Be encouraging. It takes practice to give positive, helpful feedback.

We may underestimate the impact leaders, teachers, and the children have on others who serve in Primary. Let me share just one example: Sister Johnson’s husband had not been active in the Church for many years, but she accepted a call to teach the Sunbeams. Soon Brother Johnson was called to help his wife. He sat with the children during sharing time and helped teach in the classroom. After several years of attending Primary and assisting with the Sunbeams, Brother and Sister Johnson, their two married daughters and their spouses, and two high–school–age children were sealed in the temple as an eternal family. Brother Johnson expressed their feelings in these words:

"The sheer wonder of it all! That single phrase sums up the feelings and experiences we had every single Sunday in Primary. The gospel radiates in the eyes of children, in their smiles, and in their very actions. It doesn’t stop there, however, as every week you see the Primary presidency and song leaders put together a meaningful experience for the children. It was this calling, or should we say this blessing, that brought us back into the Church after many years of inactivity. Each week, mothers and fathers entrusted their precious children to us in the hope that we would impart the necessary beginnings of a life dedicated to our Father in Heaven.

"Do you wonder if teaching in Primary has had an impact on us? We are thankful to reply that it has been the foundation for our return to activity. To teach and sing, to feel the Spirit and joy that comes with such a calling, and to associate with those who serve in Primary has been a steadfast and constant incentive for us to strive to achieve the blessing of going to the temple—and that experience defies description—the sheer wonder of it all!"

Is there a teacher or a family that needs your love and support as they are progressing in living the gospel? We can encourage children and teachers to take Primary home and be part of strengthening their families. We can also encourage children to share the gospel with neighborhood friends. Be sure to have at least two extra chairs in the Primary room and extra supplies for midweek activities. Think of the possibilities. No empty chairs in our Primary, no empty benches in sacrament meetings, and all the chairs filled in the temples! As we prayerfully work together to support one another, we will be inspired how to show increased love for each other and the children we teach, so they in turn will, through us, feel the Savior’s love.

REJOICE

Primary is a joyful place for children and all who serve in Primary, but there will come a time when you will be released from your calling in Primary. I would like to share with you comments from two released Primary presidents who felt the joy of Primary.

“When I was released, I was really sad to know I would be missing sharing with the children that special witness of Jesus Christ and God’s divine plan on a weekly basis. I had a great experience and received many blessings. Primary service was an unexpected answer to a heartfelt prayer. It occupied my heart and soul” (personal correspondence).

“I have developed an overwhelming desire for each one of the children to develop a testimony and to be happy. I have felt heartache, success, pain, and joy with them, and I know we have grown in the gospel together. I have learned much about trust as I look into their eyes and feel their unconditional faith in our Father in Heaven” (personal correspondence).

What can we do when we are called and when we are released? We can rejoice together for all we have given and all we have received. We can say with the Prophet Lehi, “Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth” (See “Improving Gospel Teaching: A Leader's Guide, [1998], 5.).

The Primary theme for 2005, “I Will Follow God’s Plan for Me,” gives us another opportunity to learn, follow, teach, testify, and rejoice in God’s plan for us. President Hinckley encourages us to, “Enjoy your work. Be happy.  . . .The gospel is good news. Man is that he might have joy. Be happy! Let that happiness shine through your faces and speak through your testimonies” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Four Imperatives for Religious Educators,” address to CES Religious Educators, Sep. 1978 [no transcripts or recordings of this address are available]).

In Primary we wear a smile on our face so others might ask the source of our happiness. I am grateful to each of you for the joy I feel in being part of the work you do to bring hope and joy to the lives of Heavenly Father’s little ones. I bear witness that this is the Savior’s work, and we can have hope and joy as we teach and testify of God’s plan to the children. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.