This quote is from Elder Neil l. Andersen's talked titled "Children." I read this talk when I was having a really bad day with Preston.
Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.
Obviously none of us have issues with "if we should have children." But this quote reminded me of all the other things I want to do and sometimes neglect the children I do have. It was a great reminder that motherhood is MY calling in life. This is what I wanted since I was a child and I need to take advantage of the blessings I have been give. I hope each one of us will remember that this is what God gave us time for. I always think of how many older women tell me to cherish them while they are little because it goes by so fast. Some days seem like an eternity, yet when I look back at pictures from the past or their little clothes they once wore my emotions start to go crazy as I think of all the time I have wasted NOT spending time with them, scolding them for childish behaviors, and pawning them off onto something else. Let us each remember to give our children the individual time they truly need from each of us parents. I love you all and I thank you for your great examples to me.
5 years in New Mexico
9 years ago
thanks for sharing jill. i seem to need that reminder frequently. i'll have to go read the entire talk, maybe with jason so we can both be better parents.
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