Mother's Day

To all the mothers that read this, welcome! I thank you, I salute you and I definitely respect you. It takes a lot to be a mother. I'm not one myself, but I've watched my own mother through the years and have seen the many sleepless nights, tear soaked shirts and sacrifices that came with it. So with that in mind, Happy Mother's Day!

How many of us know our mothers? Do we have a relationship with her? Do we truly appreciate her and treat her with the utmost respect that she so richly deserves?

Honestly, I wish I could answer "Yes, of course! All the time!" But if I did, the Lord better strike me with the biggest lightning bolt He has, because I'd be lying through my teeth. Like many of us, I was the bratty teenager that spoke and treated my mother like she was the dog instead of the woman that gave birth and raised me. That acted in ways that really should have gotten me slapped. Now, that I am older, I have gained a fuller appreciation for my mother, not just in her role, but as a person. As a beloved daughter of God. I also treasure the things she taught me. She has taught me a love for God and family. To have charity for others.

President Gordon B. Hinckley once said: "How much more beautiful would be the world and the society in which we live if every mother regarded her children as the jewels of her life, as gifts from the God of Heaven, who is their Eternal Father, and brought them up in true affection in wisdom and admonition of the Lord." 

Almost every mother I've ever spoken to has told me that her children are her most prized possessions, that they are the joys of her life. My mother included. It's a wonderful feeling, knowing that the most important person in your life loves you more than herself. That she would do anything for you. That's a feeling I hope my children will one day feel. Knowing that their mother loves them with every fiber of her being. If my children could feel that and become the best they can be, my life would be worth everything.

President Thomas S. Monson said this: "May each of us remember this truth; 'one cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God.' Why? Because  these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one."

I love this quote because it speaks of the sacredness of women and motherhood. That women are divine. I can see that.

And then we often have surrogate mothers. The ones that are not our mothers in the biblical sense, but still treat us like we're one of her own. She encourages us, spoils us, gives us a "come to Jesus" talk when needed and never gives up or stops loving us... anyone who has such a woman in their lives is blessed beyond measure. My surrogate mother has been one of my greatest influences. She may not know it, but she has helped me through many storms with just the knowledge of her being a mere phone call away. Like my own mother, I have come to rely on her counsel, her opinion and especially her actions, and these help to mold the character I have today. Because I have at least two amazing women in my life.

I would of course be remiss if I didn't also dedicate today to the aunts in our lives. Like many, I have a few aunts hanging at my end of the family tree. All different, all wonderful. The aunts I have been blessed with have all touched my life in the best of ways. They have taught me about beauty, confidence and the importance of being myself. I don't know how my life would have shaped if I didn't have close relationships I have with them.

There is a poem that I see circulate the web once in awhile that has always made me think of my aunts with a grin:

Only an Aunt....

Can give hugs like a mother,

Keep secrets like a sister, 

And share love like a friend.

That's an aunt in a nutshell, wouldn't you say?

And then you have the grandmothers.These wise women that help raise us and teach us important things about life. My grandmother, Gwen taught me to read and introduced me to Opera and Classical music. She inspired me in learning music and drawing. Sadly, she died when I was very young, but her memory is still there. I have two other fantastic grandmothers that have taught me about humility, compassion and patience. It's still easier said than done for me, but they haven't given up on me yet.

I'll admit that I don't know much about motherhood, there's a lot to child-raising that I don't understand. But I do understand this much; it is a sacred responsibility that should be treated with respect and care. Respect your mothers, my dear readers. It takes a lot of time and energy to raise a person right. It's because of my mother that I do my best and I treat people like the Savior tells us to. Because I would never want to cause negative reflection on my goodly mother.

Happy Mother's Day, mothers. Thank you for your sacrifices and your raising of these precious spirits of God. You are blessed to have the opportunity. God be with you. Christ be with you.


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