This Mother’s Day means so much more to me than any previous
year. It took me a few days to understand why I was anticipating this holiday
like Christmas, and then I realized...in a very real sense, we are celebrating
LIFE.
A few months ago, after the birth of my third child, my
health was threatened. I prayed with all the energy of my heart for God to
spare my life so that I could stay and be a Mother. I wanted to be the one to
raise my children alongside my husband. To teach them right from wrong, to
protect and nurture, and share in their joyous discoveries. My prayers were
answered and words cannot adequately express my gratitude! I no longer take
time with my children for granted.
My flesh is still very weak and recovering. But my spirit is
STRONG and BRIGHT. And in my soul, there is so much LOVE for my children,
my husband, my family, dear friends, and most of all for my Savior. He knows
what it feels like to live inside my body on good days and bad. I am grateful for my body, my precious gift from Heavenly Father, and the many things it CAN do. The diapers I can change, the
conversations I can have, the hugs I can give, and the beautiful music I can
create in my home.
I feel as if God has smiled down upon me and given me a
second chance. An opportunity to view life with new eyes. And it is simple and
beautiful. If I could talk to myself one year ago on Mother’s Day I would give
myself these pointers:
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Take care of yourself.
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Spend your time with what/whom you have been
given stewardship over.
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Simplify and forgive.
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You are enough.
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And for heaven’s sake, take a nap!
“Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest
service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and
service next to the angels. May God bless us to honor each virtuous woman.” –
Russel M. Nelson
“O mother, I give you my love with each flower
To give forth sweet fragrance a whole lifetime through;
For if I love blossoms and meadows and walking,
I learned how to love them, dear mother, from you.”
-Phyllis Luch
