ENOUGH SAID

Several years ago, my young family had gathered around the table for what was to be our usual evening meal. It was not long before my husband and I embarked upon what I call a ''peas and carrots'' discussion. You know, I was convinced that the answer was ''peas,'' and the more I insisted upon it, the more determined he was the answer was ''carrots.'' We were getting nowhere fast. Neither of us was going to be convinced to the contrary.

The dinner scene was becoming uncomfortable. Our children sat in dead silence as we each defended our personal position on the subject. He shifted back and forth in his seat and my stomach churned. The air was thick with ''vegetable soup'' flying around!

Our children watched and listened intently. Then our very sensible five-year old daughter could endure it no longer. Finally, she rose from her chair and stood by my side. Quietly, she whispered into my ear, ''Mother, this is getting sickening. And, can I have another drink of lemonade?'' Enough said!

That particular dinner was quite an eye-opener. I have marveled to myself at the great insight an innocent child can have. I realized the importance of eliminating ''peas and carrots'' discussions—especially in front of the children. They are fruitless and only cause greater misunderstandings.

In Alma 32:23 we read:

…little children do have words given unto them many times which confound the wise and the learned.

And so we have learned from an innocent child to have greater understanding and acceptance of another person's opinion. I hope that someday when I grow-up, I will be just like my five-year old!
Written in 1985