Mothers

Today, in Relief Society, the lesson was on mothers. Not just mothers in general but young mothers and the challenges that they face. I've been out of the "young mother" category for a while now, and now, I watch my kids go through this phase of their life.

Motherhood is hard. Period. It NEVER gets "easy". At least, not in my experience. But, the challenges are different, depending on the phase you're in. The demands of young mothers can seem overwhelming, I know. There is a lot of pressure, expectation, whatever you want to call it. Some of it is imposed from outside sources and some comes from within. Every mother has her idea of what a "good" mother is, and they then try to meet that standard. But, as hard as motherhood is, the rewards are SO worth it. I can't imagine my life without my children and I thank the good Lord that I have had the blessing in my life to be able to raise the 5 wonderful kids I have. And, now, grandchildren are the bonus of all those years. And, maybe I'll even see great-grandchildren.

I think that feeling unappreciated is often the straw that breaks the camel's back for mothers. Whether it's feeling like the kids, the spouse, or the WORLD as a whole doesn't appreciate all you do, that's a particular burden that seems too much to deal with. But, I just want to say that I watch my kids with their kids and I am so impressed. They lose patience at times, but who doesn't? They also are extremely patient at times when others wouldn't be. They live in a permanant state of sleep deprivation. They crave adult conversations. They get tired of explaining "why" all the time. But they do all this. And more. Why? Because they know they are shaping and molding young lives. All they do, they do for their kids and their husbands. And, they reach the greater community when they even find the time and the energy to reach out of their family circle and serve their church and community.

I have been particulary blessed with wonderful two sons in law and a daughter in law that I think are so well suited for my kids. I couldn't have chosen better, even if I had tried. It brings me great joy to see how much my kids love their spouses. And, their kids benefit from that. Which, brings me back to the beginning of my post. It's all about the kids and the mothering of them (not to short change the dads, but that's another post for another time).

So, here's a shout out to the young mothers who wipe, clean up, hush, rock, taxi, discipline, cook, iron, braid, brush, bathe, teach, and play with/for their kids! Hang in there. Believe me, one day they WILL be grown. And while that day seems light years away, it comes faster than one thinks.