Mothers

I have to say, out of all the incredible things I love about our Church, there is one thing I've always been really impressed with. The Prophets, Apostles, and members of the church are always so quick to recognize the importance of women. I can't tell you how many times I've been uplifted because of the things our leaders have said about our potential and significance as women. As I've become a mother, I've found that to be just as true. I've had a bit of a difficult time since having Arya. Being a stay at home mom is hard. Yes, it's sometimes hard to do the things a mom has to do, but that's not what I mean when I say being a stay at home mom is hard. What's really difficult is looking at the rest of the world, the accomplishments of everyone out there, and thinking "What am I really doing?". Sometimes, it does get to me that my friends have all graduated. That they have careers, money, leisure time. Sometimes I think "Should that be me?".

Then, I stumble upon something like this:

When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echos of gunfire, or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and neighborhoods? Will what happened in the cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?- Neal A. Maxwell.

I go through periods of time lately where I feel like I don't do anything worthwhile. But when I look at my daughter, when I think of what she will be one day, I realise that I have the most important job in the world. Is it as glamorous as some? No. Is it as easy as others? No. But the reward of knowing I am where I am supposed to be, that I am doing what I am supposed to do, is more valuable than anything else.

I love this quote by Abe Lincoln. It lifts me up when I'm having a hard time.

I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. — Abraham Lincoln


What mothers do is more influential than what the CEO of the largest company does. I know some of you may disagree with me, and a few years ago, maybe I would have disagreed with me. But now, as I realize the true job of a mother, I realize the true worth of a mother.

I have a million quotes that get me through the day, but I'll just leave two more, a couple of my favorites.

Let every mother realize that she has no greater blessing than the children which have come to her as a gift from the Almighty; that she has no greater mission than to rear them in light and truth, and understanding and love; that she will have no greater happiness than to see them grow into young men and women who respect principles of virtue, who walk free from the stain of immorality and from the shame of delinquency. . . . I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world. –Gordon B. Hinckley

Homemaking is surely in reality the most important work in the world. What do ships, railways, mine cars and government, etc., exist for except that people may be warmed and safe in their own home? … [The homemaker's] is the job for which all others exist. – C.S. Lewis


I admire all of you that stay at home with your children. I even more so admire those of you that aren't able to stay at home, and you work all day and then come home to do your job as a mother. You are all incredible.