My job is important.
I was reminded of that last weekend when several talks during general conference mentioned parenthood. I was also reminded of it when I read this in the Book of Mormon just the other day:
Mosiah 4: 26
And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.
And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.
I realized I do that every day.
And it seems mundane and tedious most days. Especially when "noisy children are clamoring for attention." (see Julie B Beck's talk)
So, I decided to slow down. And I have noticed some things. The other night Ana and I were playing together and I noticed that she runs everywhere. There is so much life and energy bursting out of her. And yesterday I noticed that Jack says "Hey, Mama" a thousand times a day, just to hear me say, "what, Jack." And I noticed that he gave Ana a big hug when she was in time out and said, "I love you, Ana." And I noticed that Ana makes up nonsense words all the time, but that she always follows it with "that means ____".
On the way to dance I turned off the radio and just talked to Ana. She said she wants to live on a farm with pigs (just pigs) and that she wants to name one "Kris" and she wants to ride them. Then she also said she wants cats and asked why her cousin's cat died. And I noticed that she's really curious about death.
There are a thousand things to notice. A thousand reasons to find joy. A thousand reasons to not envy those with great jobs or who travel the world. A thousand reasons to take advantage of these "protected years" when "Satan's use of the mists of darkness ... is blocked." (see Henry B Eyring's talk)
My job is important. And that is humbling. I hope I'm up to the task.
And it seems mundane and tedious most days. Especially when "noisy children are clamoring for attention." (see Julie B Beck's talk)
So, I decided to slow down. And I have noticed some things. The other night Ana and I were playing together and I noticed that she runs everywhere. There is so much life and energy bursting out of her. And yesterday I noticed that Jack says "Hey, Mama" a thousand times a day, just to hear me say, "what, Jack." And I noticed that he gave Ana a big hug when she was in time out and said, "I love you, Ana." And I noticed that Ana makes up nonsense words all the time, but that she always follows it with "that means ____".
On the way to dance I turned off the radio and just talked to Ana. She said she wants to live on a farm with pigs (just pigs) and that she wants to name one "Kris" and she wants to ride them. Then she also said she wants cats and asked why her cousin's cat died. And I noticed that she's really curious about death.
There are a thousand things to notice. A thousand reasons to find joy. A thousand reasons to not envy those with great jobs or who travel the world. A thousand reasons to take advantage of these "protected years" when "Satan's use of the mists of darkness ... is blocked." (see Henry B Eyring's talk)
My job is important. And that is humbling. I hope I'm up to the task.
5 comments:
Thank you for this post. Sometimes I get lost in the chaos surrounding little kids and forget the wonder that is in the little voice calling "Mommy!" for the hundredth time since breakfast. This was a good reminder for me. Thanks you, friend!
It seemed to me that the "theme" of General Conference seemed to be parenthood and families... or maybe that's all I heard because that's what I need to focus on for now. Either way, there was wonderful insight and guidance given. We've already burned each session onto cds and are listening to them each night and in the car - it feels so good to have those constant reminders. :)
Loved reading this. We've turned the TV off and it's been off for the last 2 or 3 weeks, I've tried very hard to let them be involoved in what I'm doing. ie. cleaning, cooking, creating, oh the things I've noticed and learned playing with my kids and observing them more. It truly is a blessing.
You are most decidedly up to the task, Erin. I have faith in you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for reminding all of us mothers that we do matter, even though most days we feel overworked & under appreciated. I think that taking time to slow down will help us all to realize our efforts are not wasted.
I also want to say "Thanks!" You are such a great example to me. Thanks for reminding me to take time to hear my children and to really listen. I'm going to better...starting now (someone is calling me).
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