Study

I recently started reading the Book of Mormon, looking specifically for principles of good parenting and fatherhood. I have been surprised by how much I've found, even in the first handful of pages:

• Trust. 
• Just a few paragraphs into the introduction, we read, "As Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni." Mormon had spent a good portion of his life compiling a thousand years' worth of history, and then trusted his son to finish the job. I wonder what that father-son relationship was like, the things Mormon did as a father to build trust - both in terms of character and in competence.
• Later in the testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith, we read about Joseph Smith Sr's reaction when Joseph Smith told him about Moroni's visit. Joseph Smith Senior trusted Joseph's account of the vision and it's divine origin.
• Trust comes up again in Joseph's account. We read that Joseph was instructed for a couple of years before he was given responsibility for the plates. As a father, I need to sufficiently instruct my children before giving them responsibility.
• Vision. In the testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith, he describes his visit with Moroni and that a, "vision was opened to my mind that I could see ... so clearly and distinctly." Heavenly Father provided Joseph with a clear and vivid direction. As a father, I can help my children build their own eternal vision.
• Sensitivity. Also in the testimony of the prophet, we read how Joseph Smith was working alongside his father, who "discovered something to be wrong with [Joseph] and told [him] to go home." Joseph Smith Sr. was sensitive to the needs of his son.
• Knowledge. The first verse of the first book of Nephi tells us he was born of "goodly parents" and was taught in the learning of his father. Lehi and Sariah were good people who sought to teach their children the things of God and man.
• Prayer. As I read the first couple chapters, I was impressed when I considered that these were the words of a son describing what he observed in the actions of his father. Nephi watched his father pour out his heart in prayer for those around him (1 Ne 1:5). Do my children catch me praying? I can follow Lehi's example and pour out my heart in behalf of my children.
• Gratitude. Nephi heard his father praise God until his heart was filled (1:15). I can teach my children about the goodness of God through simple words of gratitude as I express my thanks for our blessings.

And this is just through the first chapter! In the next two chapters, I found examples of love, praise, counsel, tough conversations, revelation, teaching natural consequences, and obedience.

I am grateful for the scriptures and for the many tools and resources the Lord has given me to be the father He needs me to be.