Story:
“Hurry, Gage! We need to be on our way, if we are going to get to Springdale before noon.”
“I can’t find my sword. How can Danny and I slay Dragons if I don’t have my sword?”
“You have five minutes to find it,” Father said. “Did you check the tree house?” he added.
Gage’s frown was replaced with a big grin as he raced to the tree house where he was sure he would find the prized sword his grandfather has given him for his birthday. Gage searched frantically, but when he heard the car horn honk, he reluctantly walked to the car empty handed.
“Cheer up, champ. There will be plenty of toys to play with at Aunt June’s.”
Gage forced a smile. “I know, but it won’t be as fun without my sword.”
Danny was waiting on the front porch when the car pulled up. “They’re here, Mom!” he hollered.
June put the bowl of gooey chocolate in the fridge before walking to meet her brother and nephew. “Oh my! Look how big you’ve grown. I bet you’re a whole foot taller than you were at Christmas,” she exclaimed.
Gage pulled back his shoulders and stood as tall as he could. “I’m eight now!”
“I know!” Aunt June said. “Have you decided if you’re going to join Christ’s church?”
Gage smiled. Aunt June knew he was getting baptized, but she had a way of making him feel important. “Ammon’s going to baptize me in two more Saturdays and then Dad’s going to confirm me on Sunday.”
“Oh, Gage! I am so proud of you. You are making the right choice,” Aunt June exclaimed. “Now, you boys go put Gage’s suitcase in Danny’s room and then you can help me make chocolate truffles for Family Night.”
“All right!” the boys shouted in unison as they ran up the stairs to Danny’s room.
Father and June visited until the boys returned.
“You be good now and mind Aunt June and Uncle Abe!” Father said as he got back into the car to leave.
“I will,” Gage promised as he waved good bye.
After Father pulled away, Aunt June, Danny, and Gage went into the kitchen. Aunt June retrieved the bowl from the refrigerator and sat it on the table. We’re having a special lesson in your honor, Gage. Guess who we’re learning about tonight?”
Gage thought for a moment and then grinned. “Helaman’s stripling warriors?”
“That’s right! And we’re going to make Shields of Faith with these truffles.”
While they worked at forming the chocolate into balls, molding them into shield shapes and decorating them with nuts and candy, Gage told Aunt June and Danny about the sword Grandpa had given him for
his birthday.
“I wanted to bring it so we could slay dragons, but I couldn’t find it,” he groaned.
“It’s okay Gage. We can play with it when I come to stay with you,” Danny said.
“I think I know a way that you two can still save me from the dragon!” Aunt June teased.
Aunt June set to work cutting swords, shields, and breast plates out of cardboard for the two boys. She then cut and fashioned helmets out of two empty plastic gallon jugs. The boys helped by covering all the pieces with aluminum foil.
“Wow! Thanks, Aunt June. These are really awesome!” Gage exclaimed as Aunt June helped the boys put on their armor.
“Ya! Thanks, Mom. You’re the greatest!” Danny said with pride.
“You’re both very welcome. Now go slay me a dragon!”
That night during Family Night, Uncle Abe and Aunt June taught the boys about the armor of God.
“Boys,” Aunt June testified, “Even though you can’t see the armor of God, it is real and it will protect you and our entire family from something far worse than dragons and that is Satan. If you remember to put on the whole armor of God every day, you will have the courage and weapons you need to fight the battle against Satan…”
by Margie Nauta Lee