Sunday, September 07, 2008

The Joys of Womanhood


“To be a righteous woman during the winding-up scenes on this earth, before the Second Coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 326–27).

I heard this quote today and church and it was like a light bulb to me. I've been struggling with finding joy in the monotony of day to day tasks of child rearing and hearing my lovely children say such things as "I hate you". One particularly difficult Sunday, a couple weeks ago, I came home and cried because I felt like a failure of a mother to my son. When my husband came home I asked him, "Is this REALLY supposed to bring me joy? You've got to be kidding me!" Now we all have a rough time raising kids and it's not the easiest thing, but I've been doing some soul searching because I was so distraught over my frustration. I've been praying and fasting and slowly the Lord has been showing me ways that I can be a better mom and showing me more joy in raising my kids. Today at church, this quote was like an answer to a prayer. I have a purpose as a Mother and I must remember that purpose when times get tough with little ones at home. My purpose is to enrich, guard and protect our institution called home. Now, this isn't the first time I've ever known this, but every once and awhile I need a reminder that I have a purpose as a mother. I want to be there for my kids when they need someone to go to and I want them to look to me for guidance and protection. I want my kids to love to come home and to feel a sense of security when they are home. I want them to know that all is well and they are safe from the evils of the world. I want them to have a sanctuary to call HOME. I thank the Lord for guiding me in my journey called motherhood!

6 comments:

Andy and Lynne said...

you are such a wonderful mother, i have senced that about you. satan wants us to be frustrated and forget how sacred this mundane calling really is. you are awsome in so many ways!

The Perry family said...

I hear ya sista! That ia a beautiful quote, thank you for sharing. I think you are a great mom, very informed, educated and intelligent, very ambitious and energetic, very organized and scheduled and most importantly very righteous. I know we all have different ideas on how to parent and rear, but I know we all have the same goal(s) and it just as you said, to create a "HOME".
I like to see those kinds of posts so that I can find support and enlightment and know that I'm not the only one who struggles with motherhood.
Motherhood is truly selfless. I don't know how many times I've said to myself, "What about what I want, what about the things I want to do?" and then I remember, it's not about me and I chose to be a mother and to love and provide for Heavenly Father's children. I know there couldn't be anything more rewarding.
I often look to your example for guidence and encouragement when it comes to raising my munchkins. I love you and keep doing what you're doing!

Lacey said...

I would have to agree with Lynne. I believe Satan is after us more than others, he knows how much of an influence we are and what a force we are. He's the one planting those thoughts of discouragement hoping we'll fail and give up. Whatt a calling we've been given as mothers, you're doing a great job!

Jen said...

Thanks for the reminder. I think we all feel this way...sometimes over and over again! I have so been feeling like this with Ellis and his health issues and feeling like I have failed Kennedy in the mean time! I love the quote and it has made me want to be a better mom and more dedicated to my kids. I get so frustrated, but then, I wouldn't trade it, you know? I really look up to you, Dacia and I know you are a wonderful mom.

Kipn n' Sarah said...

I know I have not seen you in person in a long time but I can tell by your blog and all the posts that you are an amazing mother. One I would like to pattern myself after. You can tell by each word you say how very deeply you love each of those little ones. This is a great post. I love seeing that people are "real" they struggle like me, and yet are still amazing! I also LOVE when answers to prayers come like that a light bulb just goes off, even if it is something you have heard a million times, this time it hits you!!!
Very cute post!

JT42 said...

thank you for the quote and reminder.

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