Happy Mother's Day

Today in sacrament meeting, a member of our ward (a mom) spoke about what a mother thinks.  She shared a beautiful quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's "Because She is a Mother" talk during the April 1997 General Conference.

But one thing, she said, keeps her going: “Through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work. I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep.

“It is this realization,” she says, “that I try to recall on those inevitably difficult days when all of this can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe it is precisely our inability and anxiousness that urge us to reach out to Him and enhance His ability to reach back to us. Maybe He secretly hopes wewill be anxious,” she said, “and will plead for His help. Then, I believe, He can teach these children directly, through us, but with no resistance offered. I like that idea,” she concludes. “It gives me hope. If I can be right before my Father in Heaven, perhaps His guidance to our children can be unimpeded. Maybe then it can be His work and His glory in a very literal sense.” ⁷

Mother's Day was not my favorite this year.  Healthwise, I have been struggling a lot, and today was very uncomfortable for me.  Were it not for my Primary class, I probably would have not even gone to church.  Then, during Sharing Time, one of my little friends leaned over and cuddled into me.  Intuitively, because he is like that, he must have known that I needed the little extra cuddles.  The difference it made was astounding.  He's not even my kid, but I love him so much.  I love all of my Primary friends so much.

When I got home, I did not take care of myself as I should.  I didn't eat, and needed a nap.  The business of being a mom took over, and, instead of relishing the time I had to enjoy my family.  Without thinking twice, I ruined the whole day in the motions of completing the daily grind.

Often, I think of the Savior chastising me, in his words...  "Thou art cumbered about by many things...  choose the better part."  It is so hard to determine what that really is.  If I don't clean the house, then how can the Lord be here?  If I spend time playing with the kids, then how is dinner going to get made?  The lists of things that must be done go on and on, and never does there seem to be a break. My children are growing up so fast, and I am missing out on so much.  It's becoming harder to send them away rather than easier, and where they go, I am not permitted to follow.  6 more years...  That's it.  Then they will be adults and off on their own.  How do I make that time count?

The instructions set by the Lord answer these questions time and time again.  Family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening...  It always goes back to those family activities.  It's truly all about the family.

That ending seems so anti-climactic, but it really is the pinnacle of all.  Without Hailey and Katie, there is no me.  They are my reason for living each day of my life.  I am a mother because they are the greatest gifts a loving Heavenly Father could ever give.  My thanks be to Him.

I decided, this year, to write thank you notes to my children on Mother's Day.  They always try so hard to make it special for me, and I want to express gratitude for them.  For the beauty they bring into my life.  While they are too personal to share here, they are written on my heart.

To my readers who are mothers:  Happy Mother's Day.  May you bask in the warmth and love of a partnership with your Heavenly Father, raising His children in peace and love!