Music

Of all the places I could find myself on Sunday, one of my favorites is the children’s Primary. Now, don’t get me wrong. Primary is not exactly the most relaxing way to spend the Sabbath, but for all their energy and antics there is something pure and beautiful about a child learning the gospel of Jesus Christ.

You see, the times I spend in the Primary are the times that I hear the gospel in its simplest and pure form. They don’t question, they just see Jesus Christ and love Him. Before all of our analytical brains of adulthood get to it, the gospel is actually very simple and straight forward. It’s all about loving and being good.

If you want to hear the clearest testimonies of what the gospel and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is all about listen to the songs those sweet children sing. When children sing it comes from the heart, they don’t worry about whether they’re singing the right note (which means they usually do), or even if they know all the words, they simply look for the joy in the experience and show their love of the gospel in their energetic voices. When the Savior asks each of us to become like a little child I think of Primary children singing. Becoming like a little child means humility, love and the pure faith to sing with all your heart.

Many years ago I had a poster. It was one among many that followed the then popular “All I Ever Needed to Know” theme. This one talked about the Primary Songs. Now I can’t recall all of the titles it listed. But I still carry the testimonies I’ve gained through my own experiences in Primary as a child and those that have been flown into the deepest parts of my heart and soul on the wings of children singing.

Here are some of my favorites.

I Am a Child of God
My Heavenly Father Loves Me
I Feel My Savior’s Love
I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus
Dare to Do Right
Kindness Begins with Me
“Give”, Said the Little Stream
Families Can Be Together Forever

Today, my heart is singing “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today.” I live in a part of the country that is very reluctant to give up it’s hold on winter. Some people like that, but I don’t happen to be one of them. Yes, winter carries its own blessings. My favorites are warm fuzzy socks and hot chocolate. But my heart yearns for sunshine, warmth and the beauty of growing things.

It was a joyful occasion for me on Saturday when two of my children presented me with the first flowers from my garden that had triumphed over winter’s cold. It brought a spirit of hope and joy to my day. Just from two tiny little flowers.

Now the weather here is giving in to strength of winter once again. The days are now gray and sadder again, there have been no more flowers. That’s why my heart is singing. I have seen the flowers, and I know that they will soon return again.

This hymn has four verses. Each is dedicated to an aspect of happiness that we can bring into our lives and souls. I’m looking eagerly for each of these.

Sunshine

Music

Springtime

Gladness

Why are these called out? Because they are very basic, very essential ways to bring joy into our lives.

We need more sunshine and light in our lives, given by the source of all light and truth Jesus Christ.

We need more uplifting music that touches the places in our spirit where we feel things most deeply.

We need hope for beauty and renewal through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

We need gladness and gratitude for the blessings of life.

Four simple things. On paper they don’t seem much bigger than the tiny flowers my children brought me, but their impact is lasting. Do you need a lift today, a little touch of sunshine, a little hope? Join me in singing – There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today!