What can children, even young children, do? Now, you children, please listen to me because there are some simple things you can do to help your mother.
You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.
You can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.
Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.
I have to say, I remember being so touched by this. Shortly after this was said my then 2 year old turned to me and said " I need to clean up my toys!" I remember how I was amazed that the Spirit had grabbed her attention for those brief moments that SHE was being addressed by an apostle of the Lord. I was reminded again, of the precious little girl(s) I have been entrusted with.
A few conferences ago, I remember loving this being said: Children are an inheritance of the Lord. It's from Psalms. - it is so true. :)
Now I best get off the computer and take the rest of Elder Ballard's advice that he gave to mothers. Which is to basically
1. Remember that mother hood comes in moments. Some hard, some joyful. Focus on the shining moments of joy and satisfaction.
2. Don't overschedule (you or your children) make sure there is time for the family to be a family.
3. Find some time for yourself. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well. Make time for something that will help that well, and enrich your life.
4. Pray to the best Parents of all, for guidance.
My favorite, and most needed quote came from author Anna Quindlen
:) slightly changed:
Treasure the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.
I think I need that on my walls some where!
4 comments:
commenting on your own thing before anyone, lame I know, but I had to add another, incase I forget to put it in her journal. :) My oldest Mia is so cute. She will often pray that her babysitter will come over and that mom and dad can go to the temple.
Recently she has also added bits about her getting baptized. She was even baptizing her baby the other day. I know she probably shouldn't be, but how do you teach a kid about "sacredness" ? love my kids!
Love this! Especially the not overscheduling and treasuring the doing a little more and getting it done a little less.
I'll never forget my friend that told me she can remember always having a spotless house growing up, and her mom always doing her church callings, but can't remember her mom ever playing anything with them. Sad.
I'm glad your kids got that bit from Elder Ballard's talk all by themselves. I didn't have that luxury, so I went ahead and typed it up, had a FHE about it, and it's still on the wall! LOL I need all the help I can get.
Loved your comment on my blog about michael jackson! I'm so glad you liked him too! All my friends thought I was freaky for loving him so much, but looking back on his life, he was the coolest, weirdest guy ever!
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