"Just wanted to remind you how much I love you", God whispered as He sat down beside me. "And I hope you never forget how much I appreciate what you've done for those kiddos I sent you."
Not too long ago I would have argued...or shrugged Him off at least. For a long time I didn't feel very successful as a mother. And once a year, when Mother's Day rolled around, I got a painful reminder from the committee in my head that I was a complete fool for even considering taking on the role.
Then God wrapped His arms around me and smothered me in love, while He reminded me of the amazing gifts He's blessed me with...genuine love for people, the ability to see through life's problems, the gift to understand His words and explain them well, a compassionate heart, the gift of laughter, a forgiving heart, and so many more. "All of these", He told me, "I've given you to help you in your role as mother. There is no greater calling. It's not easy. There will be mistakes. Some days will be overwhelming. Feelings of failure and defeat, discouragement and fatigue will creep in, and your heart will be shattered on more than one occasion. But no one will be of greater influence, sacrifice more, experience more joy, than a mother."
"Don't waste your time beating yourself up, putting yourself down, feeling responsible for your children's poor choices. This mortal life is a individual journey...you can walk beside them, but you can't carry them. You can guide them, but you can't move their feet. You can love them, but you can't save them...I gave that responsibility to your Elder Brother. And He's perfect at what He does...so trust Him and trust me...and don't stand in the way."
"You are wonderful. You are priceless to me. I'm here for you and I love you...always, forever and no matter what. Just do your best...and leave the rest to me."
Now I love Mother's Day. I am grateful for the blessing of motherhood. I love and honor and cherish my role...I'm grateful that God entrusted me with some of His children, who were His long before they were mine. I'm grateful for all of the other women who have helped and encouraged me, provided examples for me to follow; and for the Savior, who reaches in to fill in the gaps. I have never been perfect, but I've given it my best. And that is all God expects from me. To Him, my 10 is good enough! So, I allow it to be good enough for me.
Connection
Only moments ago
I wondered who you were;
Now that I am holding you
My heart begins to stir.
Suddenly I recognize
Now that we’re together,
I would give up everything
To be with you forever.
-Karla Claybrook
