Today Tony and I went to our first two meetings of church and for the last hour slipped into Holly and Zack's ward (we meet in the same building and her block follows ours) so we could hear Holly's talk in Sacrament Meeting. The primary presidency had been asked to speak and her topic was on the love our Father for His children. I'm know I'm probably a little biased but she gave the best one :) Tony leaned over to me halfway through and said, "Boy- I feel sorry for the two speakers after her because it would be hard to follow a talk like that." One of the things she said really got to me. I pray she doesn't mind me sharing this thought. This is in my own words as there were parts of the story she had shared with me before and had left out of her talk.
She told of the sorrow she had felt on a difficult day a few months ago. She'd not only been 7 months pregnant and chasing Logan around but had also been watching the 4 children of a friend while she and her husband had gone out of town for a few days. She'd been overwhelmed by the burden of feeling inadequate and of feeling like a failure as a mother, a feeling I'm sure that so many mothers often feel. She had been amazed to learn a few days earlier that these 4 other children were not familiar with the scriptures or who the prophet was. She had tried to make a difference in their lives and teach them all that she could in the few short days she had with them. By the end of the last day she had not felt any better and was on the verge of tears. She was alone at home because Zack had to work an overnight shift, and she wasn't sure what the next day would bring. The weight of feeling like a failure as a mother was starting to take hold. One night as she began to make the rounds of the evening, after all the kids had been put down, turning off the lights and picking up the remains of a busy day, she passed by little Logan's room. He wasn't quite 3 and had been feeling a little ignored as his mommy's attention had been split - quite a change in his little routine. She leaned in to check on him and make sure he was asleep. Tears finally came to her eyes, but not in sorrow, for she found Logan praying to his Heavenly Father. It was a short and simple prayer, but he had done it on his own. All of her fears and doubts were washed away as she watched her own son doing what she had taught him to do so many times in love and patience. She listened to his small voice and knew she was making a difference.
What a tender mercy from the Lord to remind Holly that she is a good mother, that her efforts are not wasted. What a reminder to me that the Lord is happy when we are obedient to Him and follow His commandments.
To my parents, I also thought of you during this talk and wanted to say thank you for all the time, love, and effort you put in for me. I may be grown now, but I am grateful for each building block you gave me. Each simple truth taught and led by example. I'm sure there were/are days when you might feel like failures as a parent (Mom- we've heard you say it quite often :) but you made a difference in my life and I am grateful for it. I pray that I can show my gratitude by the way I life and the choices I make, and by the way I raise my children. Thank you :)
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