Emma is my Little Chicken

I think I gained some insight last night into how the Savior feels when people blame Deity for their problems. With Brandy still recovering from her surgery it was up to me to bring the children trick-or-treating. I got off early, spent 15 minutes at home and we were off trick-or-treating.

I noticed early on that Emma was wearing tap shoes with her princess costume. I thought that was a little unusual, especially since she had no socks or tights on, but I figured that Brandy had dressed her and that momma knows best. We went on our way. By the time we reached the end of the street, I knew there was a problem. Emma stopped and asked me to put her shoes on the right feet.

She was right. I hadn't even noticed that the shoes were on the wrong feet, which to me was a bad sign that Brandy didn't choose the footwear. I fixed her shoes and we continued on until the blister formed. Then she was done trick-or-treating.

No problem, I just took her shoes off, hoisted her on my shoulders and started to carry her the rest of the way around the block. Half way home I could feel her swaying, so I carried her the rest of the way with her head on my shoulder and let her fall asleep.

When we got home, I put her on the couch and brought the other children to their great-grandparents to trick-or-treat. Later while Brandy was getting night clothes on Emma, she awoke briefly and cried a little, showing her mother the blister on her heel. She frowned and pointed first to her heel and then directly at me.

I really felt like I came to Emma's aid and saved her from creating more pain and unhappiness for herself. I did everything I could to comfort and assist her in her time of need. She has a perception, however, that I failed her and caused her pain.

This whole experience has not discouraged me. Far from it. I will be there again for Emma, or any of my other children, just like the Savior will always be there for us.

3 Nephi 10:4-6

4 O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you.

5 And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.

6 O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.