Winning the Pinewood Derby

It is Pinewood Derby time and Cub Scouts throughout the United States are building derby cars. The following article from the Ensign helps us focus on the "real purpose of pinewood derbies" (and Scouting).

Winning the Pinewood Derby, Randy Clawson, "Winning the Pinewood Derby," Ensign, Apr 2000, 42

That night forever changed my attitude about the real purpose of pinewood derbies.

It was my first experience in participating in a pinewood derby with my son Jeffrey. We had spent a lot of time drawing the car's design, going to the hobby shop to purchase special weights, shaping and assembling the car, then painting it the colors of our favorite sports team. I must admit I use the term we loosely. I am afraid that in my zeal to make our car competitive, I was the one who made sure everything was done just right. Many times my son was left standing off to the side watching. I was proud of the finished car.

That evening I joined the other fathers on "pit row." We were all making last-minute adjustments to the wheel alignment, putting on a last squirt of graphite, and checking the weights. I didn't realize until later that my son, along with some of the other Cub Scouts, were mostly standing back, watching their dads at work.

As the racing began, I changed from my role as engineer to that of cheerleader—and perhaps at times an obnoxious spectator. Our car was doing quite well in the heats, and from all appearances we were destined to go to the winners' bracket. It was about then Jeffrey came to me.

"Dad, we need to do something to my car."

In my enthusiasm for the moment I thought, Good, I'll check the alignment one more time. But that was not what Jeffrey had in mind.

"Steve's car hasn't won a single race all evening," said Jeffrey. I glanced over at Steve, a boy with disabilities, sitting quietly on the sidelines with his car cradled in his arms. From the appearance of his car, he must had done most of the work himself. His next race was against my son, who was looking up at me with great concern. "Can you do something to my car to make sure Steve wins?"

I stared at my eight-year-old son and felt as though a lightning bolt had hit me. Humbled, I picked up the car, studied it a moment, then gave a hard twist to the right front wheel, hopelessly ruining the alignment. I handed the car back to Jeffrey, and we headed over to the track.

The outcome was just as we hoped. Our pinewood creation wobbled down the elevated track, and Steve's car won easily! As I looked to the finish line, however, I saw not just one winner but two happy boys.

That night changed forever my attitude about the real purpose of pinewood derbies. We have attended many other pinewood derbies since that night, and some might wonder why our cars don't look as nice as the others or don't go as fast or why I'm conspicuously absent from pit row. But one thing we know for sure: there is more than one way to win a race.

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One by One

One of the principles of leadership mentioned in the North American Southeast Area Training for Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society presidencies conducted on December 5, 2009 was ministering. We were counseled to follow the example of the Savior in reaching out "one by one" (3 Nephi 18:36) to bless the lives of those we serve. "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister" Matthew 20:28. Our prophet, President Thomas E. Monson exemplifies this principle. He reaches out and greets each one. His life is filled with examples of ministering.

We were reminded that, "You are called to represent the Savior. Your voice to testify becomes the same as His voice, your hands to lift the same as His hands. His work is to bless His Father's spirit children with the opportunity to choose eternal life. So, your calling is to bless lives. That will be true even in the most ordinary tasks you are assigned and in moments when you might be doing something not apparently connected to your call. Just the way you smile or the way you offer to help someone can build their faith". Henry B. Eyring, "Rise to Your Call," Ensign, Nov 2002, 75

The training continued with these challenges: make sure you meet and greet each of the children "one by one"; call them by name; they are part of the Rising Generation and some of them need rescue so ask yourself, "where are the children?"; and minister unto every child, "one by one".

Young in Testimony or Young in Age

In addition to the opportunity to teach and strengthen children, Primary presidencies are often given the opportunity to minister to teachers and other Primary workers who are young in testimony or young in age. Sister Margaret S. Lifferth, First Counselor, Primary General Presidency gave several suggestions for bringing these Primary teachers and leaders unto Christ and strengthening their testimonies (North American Southeast Area Training for Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society Presidencies conducted on December 5, 2009).

1. Priesthood leaders should provide the "vision" of Primary when a calling is extended.
        A.  Primary children are prepared to:
   

   • make their first covenant 
   • take the sacrament 
   • receive the Aaronic Priesthood (boys)
   • be worthy to have their first temple recommend

        B.  Childhood is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get the gospel into the hearts of children who are full of faith and believe everything they are taught.
   
2. In order to minister to those who are young in testimony or age, make sure the Primary has enough leaders and teachers who have strength in testimony and experience.
   
3. Team-teaching can provide an example of teaching skills and help these "young" teachers succeed.
   
4. Help the young in testimony or age feel included and part of the Primary team.
   

We must always remember that our responsibility as Primary leaders is to minister to children and those who serve in the Primary, not just administer a program. "They taught and did minister one to another." 3 Ne. 26:19

Help from the Ensign – January 2010

In addition to the Friend, the Ensign can be a valuable source of help for you as a Primary leader or teacher. The Valiant course of study for this year is the Old Testament. Increasing your personal understanding of the Old Testament through Ensign articles (P 14–17, 39-45) and using the Old Testament Class Member Study Guide (p 45 - available from your Sunday School president) as you study the scriptures, will enrich your own testimony and help you teach with the Spirit.

This month's Ensign also contains several articles on teaching (p 38, 71). The article, "Serving in the Church: Who, Me? Teach?" (p 38) not only gives suggestions for teaching, but includes this idea for Primary presidencies:

"Leadership Ideas
When you are serving in a presidency, be sure to attend when teachers and others called to serve in your organization are set apart. Then set a time when you can meet to:

1. Explain the responsibilities of the new calling.
   
2. Pass on lesson manuals or leadership materials.
   
3. Offer support and further training.
   
4. Express your appreciation for and faith in the newly called member".