EARLY morning seminary

This past week Jaime and I had the opportunity and challenge to teach early morning seminary to the High Schoool kids in the ward. The previous teacher moved and they asked us to fill in for a week to give them time to call a permanent teacher. I have a new found respect for the kids that come everyday and an appreciation for the fact that I went to seminary right after lunch when I was in high school. And I have an even greater respect for all the early morning seminary teachers out there, especially those who have a family and work full time.

The topic is the Old Testament, so we couldn't just wing it. For me, it was probably the first time I have read the stories of Saul, David, and Solomon since I was in seminary. Over the course of the last week Jaime and I have learned quite a few things.

• No matter how righteous you are, there is always a chance you will make a mistake if you let your guard down.


• You can be very powerful, even unstoppable, if you allow the Lord to guide your life.


• The dress of choice for high school kids at 6 am is a hoody and sweats.


• No matter how energetic you try to be in the morning, the energy never quite makes it to the students.


• Gospel principles are best taught and learned in the home. Seminary should just be a supplement.


• It is a little creepy to be wandering the hallways of a dark church at 5:45 am looking for homeless people who have been known to try to spend the night.


• When teaching seminary during busy season, there is only time for 4 things. Eat, work, prepare a lesson, and sleep.

We had a great experience during the week, but needless to say we both indulged ourselves to an extended Sunday afternoon nap.