I was especially touched by our Relief Society Lesson today. Part of it was taken from Elder Ballard’s talk “Daughters of God.” Being a mother is demanding and rewarding. Sometimes I feel at peace, and other times I feel like pulling my hair out. I often feel guilty for not doing enough or spending enough time with each child. And I know I am not the only one who goes thru this roller coaster of emotions. The lesson was wonderful and I remembered loving the talks as they were given in the April General Conference.
The night before our Opening Day at the Childcare Center I was beginning to feel overwhelmed and lots of anxiety as to how I was going to juggle it all. I actually began to feel almost paralyzed by the stress of having a job and young children and wanting to do my best at everything. As the anxiety mounted and I felt like I was drowning in it, I reached over to my husband a tearfully said, “I know it’s late, but I feel I need a blessing.” I am so grateful for the power of the priesthood in my home. The blessing brought me great peace. I was counseled to find time for myself, to read my scriptures and say my prayers. And today those words were said again in our Relief Society lesson. I have been very grateful for the many years I have been able to be a “full time mom.” And now I am grateful that although our circumstances have changed, my children are surrounded all day by people who love them, whether at school, or home, or the center.
I am striving to love the children I have charge of, knowing that I want the same for my own children. I came across a wonderful quote from Elder Ballard’s talk, it wasn’t actually mentioned as part of our lesson, but it’s what I needed.
“There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.”(italics added.)
I have also been listening to the Women of Destiny CD, and this week the song “A Woman’s Heart” touched me strongly. If you have it, listen to it! If you don’t have it, get it!
I am truly grateful for our Prophet and the leaders of the church. I am grateful for the power of prayer and for the Priesthood in my home. I am grateful to be alive in these Latter Days to sees the signs of the times and to prepare for the coming of the Lord. What greater time could there be.
