I've been thinking about some important decisions lately. There is so much I want to do in life. So much I want to be and experience. But, I realize there is a season for all these things.
I love being a mom and I feel a desire to be home with my boys while they are little. To be here and enjoy these precious fleeting moments. Sure, being a mom isnt all fun and smiles. There is pressure and disappointments. Sacrifices and personal pursuits in limbo. This is to be expected and isnt always welcome.
There was a time in life where I never thought I would have these moments. Motherhood seemed so unattainable. That too was a difficult time with its own challenges. My perspective has changed alot. Im grateful and sometimes need a jog to my memory.
I recently read this and found it re-kindled my earnest desire to be a good mother and go without some of the things that I imagine would define me like: a college degree, a paycheck, a career, nice clothes, unlimited ME time for workouts and play, unlimited couples time for Mike and I, dining out, toys ,etc.
Its always nice to have a reminder, especially from someone whom I feel is inspired. I hope it may be just the thing one of you may need to read on an especially rough day in mommyhood. Or, if you dont have kids, its still good advice when in any family relationship.
“The family by its very nature is an institution based upon righteous self-denial and sacrifice. It is not an individualistic or self-centered organization, but a highly cooperative and other-centered institution. Successful families require that men and women make substantial and long-term sacrifices of their time, money, and personal fulfillment in order to dedicate their efforts to rearing the next generation. Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together. The rise of selfishness in our society is the fundamental underlying trend that undermines families and makes successful marriages so difficult. Many today find it irrational to devote so much time and energy to the welfare of the next generation, but if this commitment is not deeply rooted in society, civilization will decline and perish, while children grow up in a moral wasteland, confused, unguided, and unloved.
“Moreover, the sacrifices that fathers and mothers make for their children ultimately will result in the greatest possible happiness for those making the sacrifices. In all of human experience, there are no joys more tender, no love more sweet, no fulfillment higher than that found in the family. Those who honor the calling of righteous parenthood will find their souls refined, their hearts purified, and their minds enlightened by the most important lessons of life. They will rise to far greater heights of happiness than those who engage in the narrow and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit of self.”
Bruce D. Porter, "Defending the family in a troubled world", The Ensign, June 2011.
“The family by its very nature is an institution based upon righteous self-denial and sacrifice. It is not an individualistic or self-centered organization, but a highly cooperative and other-centered institution. Successful families require that men and women make substantial and long-term sacrifices of their time, money, and personal fulfillment in order to dedicate their efforts to rearing the next generation. Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together. The rise of selfishness in our society is the fundamental underlying trend that undermines families and makes successful marriages so difficult. Many today find it irrational to devote so much time and energy to the welfare of the next generation, but if this commitment is not deeply rooted in society, civilization will decline and perish, while children grow up in a moral wasteland, confused, unguided, and unloved.
“Moreover, the sacrifices that fathers and mothers make for their children ultimately will result in the greatest possible happiness for those making the sacrifices. In all of human experience, there are no joys more tender, no love more sweet, no fulfillment higher than that found in the family. Those who honor the calling of righteous parenthood will find their souls refined, their hearts purified, and their minds enlightened by the most important lessons of life. They will rise to far greater heights of happiness than those who engage in the narrow and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit of self.”
Bruce D. Porter, "Defending the family in a troubled world", The Ensign, June 2011.
1 comment:
This is a fantastic reminder of the bigger picture of why we do what we do. Thanks!
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