Meridian Magazine :: Family Home Evening: Friends are like Camels

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Friends are like Camels
By C.S. Bezas

We all struggle at times with caring what others think. Thus, it can be hard to defend our personal “turf” of boundaries and acceptable behavior; as a result, friends sometimes cause us to bend to peer pressure. This Family Home Evening lesson aims to help children understand the potent power of choosing friends carefully. Time for some FHE Fun!

FHE Fun!

Opening Song: #176 ‘Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love

Opening Prayer: By Invitation

Devotional: Turn the time over for spontaneous scripture sharing for a few minutes. Has anyone found a cool scripture this past week during private scripture study? Please share it and why it is awesome. (Even if individuals aren't currently reading their scriptures, simply by asking this each week, eventually you will see more and more participation in this spiritual portion of FHE.)

Items Needed:

Printout of a camel's nose (here is a simple link to a great close-up picture)
Costumes from creative materials around the home for an “Arabian workman”, “camel”, and “tent”
Pencils and printouts of the document “Friends,” from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet – one per family member

Activity:

Tape the printout of the camel's nose in a visual place. Set up a make-believe tent. Assign two family members to play the following roles of “Arabian workman” and “camel.” Have them act out the following poem using the make-believe “tent” to show the drama of the poem. Have fun dramatically reading “An Arab Fable”!

“Once in his shop a workman wrought
With languid hand, and listless thought,
When through the open window's space
Behold!-a Camel thrust his face.
"My nose is cold," he meekly cried,
"Oh, let me warm it by thy side."
Since no denial word was said,
In came the nose,- in came the head,
As sure as sermon follows text
The long, excursive neck came next,
And then, as falls the threatening storm
In leap'd the whole ungainly form.

“Aghast the owner gazed around,
And on the rude invader frown'd,
Convinc'd as closer still he pressed,
There was no room for such a guest,
Yet more astonish'd, heard him say,
"If incommoded, go your way,
For in this place I choose to stay!"

“Oh, youthful hearts, to gladness born,
Treat not this Arab lore with scorn.
To evil habit's earliest wile
Lend neither ear, nor glance, nor smile,
Choke the dark fountain ere it flows,
Nor ever admit the Camel's Nose
(Lydia Howard Sigourney, “An Arab Fable,” Gleanings , 1860, emphasis added).”

If you have more children, invite them to switch places with the previous two who had acted out the poem. Not only will this give more kids the opportunity to enjoy the drama, but it will repeat the important message of the poem through the minds of the family.

APPLICATION:

While the final two family members are removing their “costumes,” pass out copies of the “Friends” printout from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. Invite the family to look for what the Arabian Fable poem has to do with harmful friendships while taking turns reading the following paragraphs out loud.

(“Friends,” from For the Strength of Youth , page 12.)

“Choose your friends carefully. They will greatly influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards. A true friend will encourage you to be your best self.

“To have good friends, be a good friend yourself. Show interest in others and let them know you care about them. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Go out of your way to be a friend to those who are shy or do not feel included.

“Invite your friends of other faiths to your Church meetings and activities, where they can learn about the gospel. Help them feel welcome and wanted. Many people have joined the Church through the example and fellowship of their friends. Don't be offended if your friends decline your invitation to learn more about the gospel. Just continue to be their friend.

“Make a special effort to reach out to new converts and to those who are less active. Help them feel welcome among your group of friends. You can strengthen them by sharing your testimony and by setting a good example.” See Alma 17:1–2

When finished reading, invite discussion about friendships. How can friends either hurt our lives or help our lives by either selfish or thoughtful choices? To finish up, have the family decide how the camel's nose is similar to a friend who would rather hurt you than care for you.

End by sharing Elder Holland's quote:

“Take heart. Let the Spirit work in you in ways that you may not be privileged to see or even recognize. More will go on than you think if you are honest in your heart and trying to live as purely as you can.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Teaching, Preaching, Healing,” Ensign , Jan. 2003, p. 33.)

As children of God, we have permission to establish healthy boundaries and to say no to “camel” encroachers. Testify that as each of us seeks Heavenly Father's help through consistent prayer, scripture study, and service, our strength will increase to make courageous choices. And when we make courageous choices regarding our friendships, we not only bless our own lives; we then bless others and offer to them to become better than they were before!

Closing Song: #293 Each Life That Touches Ours for Good

Closing Prayer: By invitation

Refreshments: “Mutabak”, a Palestinian dessert, would be a fun treat to finish off this Arabian-themed FHE. Click here and do a search for “Mutabak.” Not only is “Mutabak” simple, but it is exotic and fun! Or another exciting site to explore is Fauzia's Pakistani Recipes for a variety of exotic (and not-so-exotic) treats. And remember, refreshment time after FHE is simply a time to enjoy the sweet smiles and personalities of your dear family. Life is too short to do anything but that!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

President Henry B. Eyring's talk, “True Friends,” is an excellent resource to help children understand 1) we will all be tested, and that therefore, 2) true friends are essential to feel loved, listened to, and helped throughout life. Why not read as a family a few paragraphs from President Eyring's thoughts each evening over the next week or so before bedtime. Then as the children snuggle down into bed, listen and share thoughts and tips on friendships. Make sure not to criticize their choice of friends; rather, simply spend time discussing true principles of human relationships. You may never know just how important your kind words may be.

Struggling with your teens? C.S. Bezas' book is an essential help for parents and youth leaders. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers teaches you how to create powerful change. Visit your local LDS bookstore or get your copy online here.

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About the Author:

C.S. Bezas graduated from BYU in communications, with an emphasis in human resource development and training programs. She also took seminary teacher-training classes while studying at BYU, looking forward to the day when she might join the ranks of the Lord’s seminary teachers. She now teaches early-morning seminary in the southeastern portion of the United States. Additionally, she has conducted trainings and workshops for audiences on a variety of topics and has won recognition for her writings and stage musicals.

C.S. Bezas has appeared as a keynote speaker and before audiences on television, stage, and film. Her book Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers has been called essential for those who work with teens and for parents. She is the creator of a soothing-music CD series found at CSBezasMusic.com. She and her husband have four children and relish the gospel of Jesus Christ.