How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

During my first year in the church I had a wonderful experience where the Holy Ghost guided me as I served as a Sunday school teacher of 5 and 6 year olds. One child in particular taught me a great lesson. He found it difficult to endure the length of the lessons and would disrupt the whole class. Once, as we were discussing how Jesus had calmed the sea, I invited the chorister into my class to teach us a hymn “Master, the Tempest Is Raging” Hymns, no. 105. Like the storm referred to in the hymn, that child tempestuously raged until the chorister broke down in tears. I grabbed him and scolded him in the hall. I wasn’t pleased with myself, knowing in my heart that Jesus would never have done this.

Not knowing what to do, I prayed for guidance. After one such fervent prayer, a specific thought entered my mind Send a letter home praising good behavior. I decided to give it a try.

The next week I explained to my class that those who could listen and participate attentively in class would have a letter sent home describing their virtues. All their eyes lit up, and each, including my little tempest, prepared to be honored.

In the next couple of weeks every child received a letter except the one who was the reason behind my efforts and inspiration. He would try, but he could not get through a whole lesson without a problem. Week after week this occurred. I prayed for him. I encouraged him privately each week, reminding him how badly I wanted to send him that letter.

Finally it happened. Miraculously, he not only got through the lesson without disruption, but he even participated in the discussion. When the lesson ended, I excitedly told him of his great accomplishment. He smiled from ear to ear and walked out in triumph.

That night I created a veritable epistle praising him. The following Sunday, a new boy walked into class. He looked like my tempest of weeks past, yet he had confidence and self-discipline that continued for the rest of the time I knew him.