I have magic powers!

To all the moms out there who feel that intellectual prowess is a thing of the past, I dedicate this post. It is a rare moment when I find myself talking or thinking about things other than diaper brands, discipline tactics, or scouting/school work. Even when all the kids are in bed, my husband and I seldom get past the topic of the local news or a weak analysis of the political world woes. I do not miss going to college and studying my brains out. Don't have time for book clubs or chat groups. But I did get a nudge of encouragement in the brain department yesterday. Jonah came along with me for an evening run to the store. It was good "one on one" time with my almost teenager. This year I challenged him to read the Book of Mormon before he turns twelve--you know, pass off another Faith in God requirement, get ready for the priesthood--that sort of thing. I decided to read along with him (in other words--prod him along). To kill two birds with one stone, I typically ask him to read to me while I am fixing dinner or feeding the baby. So for this errand run, I asked him to bring his BoM to read in the car. We are in the Book of Omni. He got stuck on the word "genealogy". He was trying for the word "genealogical". Without looking over at the word, I suggested the correct word and he went on. A few seconds later, he came to these words: "...and I have not kept the st...st..." With eyes watching the road, I delivered him the right word: "statutes". He inserted that word and finished the verse. Then he put the book down and asked, "How do you know what word I am trying to read without looking at it?" "You don't think your mom is smart, Jonah?" "No, I know you're smart. But that's not it. It's like you have magic powers or something." Wow. I'll take that compliment and run, thank you. Lately my library selections haven't been the most brain stimulating, but maybe they don't need to be. When I was in junior high, I was confused by the time line, map and general comings and goings of the Book of Mormon characters. Exactly when did Limhi's group get lost and find the destroyed civilization? Was it after or before Zeniff was made king? How many times did the Nephites split off from the Lamanites and move further into the wilderness? And why are there so many different Nephi's and Amaleki's? Were they good or bad? The whole small and large plates and sealed sections of the Brother of Jared always made smoke come out of my ears. I went to my dad for help. His help came in the form of an artistic drawing with labels and arrows and although it looked cool, I was still a little confused. His advice was to keep reading and praying and the knowledge would come. I determined that one day, I was going to be as smart as my dad about the Book of Mormon so I could help my kids. Well, I won't profess to have a perfect knowledge of it all. Nor could I draw a perfect model of the landscape. But I could give a pretty good go. The irony is that my kids haven't really come to me with questions yet, but I am pulling out the paper to draw a map anyway. My being excited about the history must surely seep over to them, right? Shamefully, I could correctly answer more trivia questions concerning Edward Cullen compared to Helaman. But my dad was right. Keep reading and praying. The knowledge will come. During the errand run, I asked Jonah the question: "Why did Grandpa Weaver make me read the Book of Mormon every morning--even in the summer?" His answer made me smile--I think he does listen sometimes when I lecture him. He said, "So you would be happy and have the spirit?" Well, yes, but that's not the first reason. My dad was obedient. Period. The other stuff is just a cool symptom. So I guess this post has morphed from the topic of feeling not-so-dumb into a thank you to my parents who made it happen. Now, when is Stephenie Meyer's fourth book coming out? I need to reserve a copy. ha ha.