Once a month a member of the Bishopric is asked to stand in front of all the children aged 3 to 8 years old and hold their attention for 15 minutes. Then with only 1 hour to recover, they step into the breech once more as they face the kids 9 to 11 years old for what seems much longer than 15 minutes.
I have now personally faced this demanding audience three different times.
My first time I was sure I was going to be a hit. How could I fail? I was the father of four young kids. I knew my audience.
So I rehearsed, convincing myself that I was going to make a difference in these young little lives. These kids were going to learn and be inspired by Brother Thomas!
As I stepped in front of 40 pairs of skeptical little eyes I started getting nervous. I soon realized I was in over my head as a young lady of 4 years old kept interrupting me, throwing me off my rhythm. All she wanted to do was tell me about what she had for breakfast while I was trying to share with her the mysteries of the universe.
I lamely babbled through the next 15 minutes and walked off defeated. When my daughter Paige (10) approached me afterwards I hoped for some encouraging words. Instead she gave the following critique:
"Dad your not so good at that. Your not very fun. You should be more fun next time."
Yeah thanks honey.
So today I was once again in front of this hostile crowd. But this time I brought down the house.
My coup d’état? We did "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" - backwards.
One of the little kids stopped me in the hall to tell me I "was fun".
The Mysteries of the Kingdom may have to wait a while, I am working on my next routine.
5 comments:
Tee-Hee! I wish I could have been there to see that.
Next time I see you I'll have to show you a few magic tricks.
I love the picture in my mind of you and the little ones having fun and getting down with head shoulders knees and toes backwards. I would have given alot to see that. Oh Eldon.......sigh.
Ahhhh, Eldon....you're fun, honest !!!
Eldon...You KNOW your audience.
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