Big and Little Prayers

As Primary President I am often giving the opportunity to share with the children in our ward different experiences to teach them about the principles of the gospel. This month's topic is prayer. Because I have had so many experiences when it comes to prayer it was actually difficult to narrow it down to just one story.

There are times in our lives when there are big moments. Joseph Smith had a big moment in answer to a prayer. I haven't had a moment as big as that but I have still had big things happen in answer to a prayer or several prayers.

But what about the little prayers? I decided to share with the Primary children a little prayer from this past week. Because I think that it is what really tells me Heavenly Father notices and loves me - when he answers my little prayers.

At Smiley's 6 month check up we discovered that he had 2 cavities between his teeth. I scheduled him for fillings and we returned on Friday for the appointment. As he entered the room the assistant let Smiley choose between watching Horton Hears a Who and Tangled. Of course he choose Horton Hears a Who.

She put a little mask across Smiley’s nose to give him “happy” gas as part of getting him ready for the fillings. She also put a gel on his gums to numb the area. I was pretty sure I knew what was coming next but Smiley didn’t have a clue. He was happily watching the movie. Soon the dentist came in and sat down. My fears were realized when he picked up a giant needle and aimed it at Smiley’s mouth.

I don’t like needles.

Again, Smiley happily watched the movie. I tried not to pass out and gripped the counter next to me. I should have looked away but somehow could not. I felt my stomach getting tighter and tighter, feeling more and more nervous as the seconds ticked by and the needle stayed in his mouth.

The dentist left for awhile (translate as hour) to let Smiley’s mouth numb up and I had some time to settle down. But then he returned and it was drilling time. As I heard the sound of the drill I worried that maybe Smiley’s mouth was not numb enough (or rather the numbing had worn off because we had waited so long) and it would hurt. As I sat there in the dentist office I said a quick prayer and asked Heavenly Father to help Smiley and prayed that all would go well. The dentist told Smiley to raise his hand if he felt any pain. After a minute, Smiley’s hand came up at and I feared that he was in pain, but he just fixed his nose mask and continued watching the movie. He even laughed a few times at whatever he was watching. I relaxed as I realized that all was well.

The dentist finished off and for Smiley the worst part was simply the bad taste in his mouth from the gel. Not only was Smiley okay but Heavenly Father helped me to calm down.

I am grateful that my little prayer was answered.