Being a Mom

I'm sitting here trying to formulate my thoughts about what it is to be a Mother.

I was the youngest of seven so therefore had a very busy mom...that is, until my older siblings got married and left home. My memories of mother were of her cooking and sewing and as I grew older I remember thinking that it was a pretty dreary life. Cooking and cleaning and other motherly duties seemed very unrewarding to me. (No offense, Mom!) And I wondered what she was going to do when we all left the house. I couldn't understand why she didn't want to work.

Maybe my memories are a little out of whack because I wasn't the best child. I think my parents were often frustrated with me and "up-in-arms" as to how to handle me. But as I look back now, I applaud my mother for committing her life as a mother and taking joy in that work.

I'm trying to be a stay-at-home mother. I still have a bit of that messed-up view that my work at home is not rewarding or very appreciated and that has made my life difficult. The "world" would have me believe that I can't be happy unless I'm out there making my own money and "contributing". But being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I have been taught differently. Things like, 'the work I do in the home has a more eternal reward', and that 'nothing compares with the duties and joys that come from raising my children'. I believe that is true and I'm striving every day to write it in my heart and soul so that I know that what I do is of worth!

The other day my hubby and I were watching something on television and a book was mentioned regarding the worth of mothers. I said that I would like that book sometime. Well, my loving hubby decided to find it for me but purchased the wrong one...by mere coincidence?? I don't think so. He bought me the book by Jane Clayson about motherhood and it really speaks to my heart. Any mother out there who wonders about her role in the home and gets discouraged should definitely read this book! We are a powerful force in the world! We are shaping and teaching the future generations! What can be more important than that? Money and fame and recognition are so fleeting but what we do as mothers will last forever.

I hope with all my heart that I never forget this important work I have to do. And I thank my mother for her determination to do her work so well. What a great example she is to me! Thanks Mom!

Tidbits of thought

Lessons I've learned while being a partial invalid these last two weeks.

1. Service isn't as hard as it seems. A little phone call, a short visit, even a note with a snack or meal has brightened my world. I shouldn't be afraid or feel that someone else will do it.

2. Do you notice that the same few people are always the ones to sign up to give and help? And those few, in my eyes, are the people that seem to be happiest. They're the ones that I have often thought of as my examples of how I want to be...is it coincidence that they give so much of themselves?

3. It's selfish when I don't give service. In the past I would often think, "I don't know them well enough", "Someone else will take care of them", "I'm too busy with...". My good intentions are not enough!

4. Simplify. Slow down. Enjoy. And nurture friendships.

5. God is good. His ways are not our ways. He waits for us to reach out for his hand. He wants to bless us.

6. A thought from a dear friend (put in my own words because I can't remember quite how she put it): Live your life in such a way that each morning when you wake up, Satan says, "Dang! She's awake again!"