Elder Taylor G. Godoy (Apr. 18): "One More Day"

The Activity:

1. Beforehand, prepare a document that has a table in it that has 2 columns and 3 rows.
2. Pass out one handout (see step #1) to each class member and make sure that each one has something to write with.
3. Ask class members to think of a time when they sacrificed for something.  Let them think for a moment.
4. Ask them to record the basic details of that time in the first box (upper left-hand corner for languages that read right to left).
5. Ask them to record the results of that sacrifice in the box across from the details of that sacrifice.
6. Now, ask the class members to think of a time that someone sacrificed for them.  Again, give them a few moments.
7. Now, ask them to right the details of this sacrifice in the box below the details of the first sacrifice.  And the results across from that.
8. Put these handouts aside while you discuss this talk.  Encourage the class members to refer to what they wrote down during the conversation.
9. At the end:  Ask the class members to think of a sacrifice they could make in the immediate/near future.  Give them a moment.
10. Now, ask them to write that sacrifice down in the bottom, left box.
11. Ask them to consider what impact that sacrifice might have and to record that in the last remaining box.
12. Challenge them to make this and/or other sacrifices in the coming week, which will bring them closer to Father.

Using the Activity:

This is an activity that does come in two parts.  It could be all be done at once (probably at the end would be the place it would feel most natural).  The reason I felt to split it up was simply so the first part could serve as a introduction to the lesson-- a way to warm up the class for a discussion-- by helping them to remember times that sacrifice has played a role in their lives. 

Also, I think it is important to point out a couple of features that are principles in this activity that can be used in every lesson.  One, wait.  When you ask them to remember a time, give them a moment.  I know that silence can be painful, but live with it.  Take a few breaths.  Repeat in your mind the first couple of Articles of Faith.  Whatever, but wait.  Sometimes, we ask a good question and then move on right away or start taking answers immediately, when we should really let all of the class members think about it for a moment.  It can help them by inviting a greater exercise of faith and it can help us by increasing the number of class members who have something great to say.  Second, I really would ask them to write these things down.  Most often, writing is not really about doing some thinking and them simply recording it; instead, writing is often a tool of thinking.  Writing requires us to commit to something and that level of specificity can help jog our memories (in this case) or push us to greater insights.  All in all, writing is a vastly under-used tool in our gospel teaching-- at least in my experience.  And remember in this activity, they are just writing down a few details.  They don't have to use full sentences or even actual words-- emoji's would work.  😄

As always, I hope this activity is helpful.  Please let me know how I can improve this blog.  Thanks for visiting.