a few thoughts...

Sometimes I need a little reminder about what's really important in life. Today was one of those days. While skimming through a book I came across a couple of things that I needed to read:

"The modern challenge to motherhood is the eternal challenge-that of being a godly woman. The very phrase sounds strange in our ears. We never hear it now. We hear about every other type of women: beautiful women, smart women, sophisticated women, career women, talented women. But so seldom do we hear of a godly woman-or of a godly man either, for that matter. I believe women come nearer to fulfilling their God-given function in the home than anywhere else."

Peter Marshall

So often I find myself wishing to be a little bit more; more beautiful, more educated, more spiritual, more wealthy, more confident. Society tells us that we should become these things because it's what makes us successful. I forget the importance and sacred duty I have of being a mother and I get jealous of everyone else that seems to fit these categories.

Day after day I do the same things. I change diapers, take the other to the potty, make chocolate milk eight times a day, give baths, make bottles, and go to storytimes. I sit at the table encouraging my two year old to eat his peanut butter sandwhich. I watch Go Diego Go and Wow Wow Wubzy on the television. I feel like I don't accomplish anything that has real worth.

But then I walk into the living room and I see a big brother that adores his little sister. I see a boy that loves to hold his sister little hand and it's then that realize I have so much more here at home.

I love being a mom. They, along with my sweetheart, are my pride and joy. I feel overwhelmed at the resposibility I have of teaching them. Teaching them the gospel, teaching them the importance of hard work, of service. The importance of faith and prayer. Teaching them that they are children of a Father in Heaven that loves them, that they will know for a surety and have a testimony of these things for themselves.

I love this little poem. It's a good reminder of what kind of mom I want to be. It sure makes me look at my day differently. I have a little more patience and worry less about the dishes in the sink.

If I had my child to raise again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off the watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging
Diane Loomans