"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power."
-Julie B. Beck, General Conference Oct. 2007
I have been thinking about this quote often this week. I have been feeling a little overwhelmed with all that is required of me. Of course, many of these requirements are of my own making. I have been plugging along, though. There are times in life, when I get so overwhelmed with all there is to do that I just sit down and do nothing, because I have no idea where to even begin. Do you ever feel like that? Thankfully, I have a dear husband who seems to recognize that and quietly begins to do the tasks that are normally mine - laundry, bathrooms, more laundry... Earlier this week, he made sure that Noah's baseball uniform was clean, knowing that I was too busy and wouldn't remember.
I am working on choosing less of the good and more of what is best for me and my family. There is so much out there that is good, but we need to focus on the best. I love those nights when we don't have anywhere we have to be. It is such a joy to spend those evenings together as a family. So, if I say "no" to something you ask me to do, please don't take offense - I am busy preparing a rising generation...
AMEN, Sistah! This is so true! We sometimes fill our days doing that which is good but we could be doing something better. I told someone the other day that my goal is to have two days a week that the boys and I don't go anywhere (except maybe the local park). I decided to do this for a few reasons.
ReplyDelete1. It was to easy to do things that could be done later and were unimportant that were taking time away from us. I want to be able to fingerpaint, and write letters and just the stuff.
2. I find I save money this way. We live rurally so saving gas is a real issue for us. Also, I found we were spending money on things we simply do not need. None of these were bad things but just not necessary.
I spend these days at home playing games, crafting (any ideas?), reading books, cuddling, etc...We are lazy and we love it!
As my kids get older and we have more to do this time will be precious to us.
I am so proud of you and Ruth. I love reading about your lives on the blog. I miss you guys. Keep up the good work you have a great family.
ReplyDeletelove,
aunt janet
thanks for the post April I love it. And I agree that those moments that we can spend with our children are important.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome quote. Now I have to really watch the conference. I couldn't go but I recorded it. I just haven't watched it yet! I have tried several times but something always comes up to stop it. Maybe that means I should doubly watch it!
ReplyDeleteI really love that and need to put that somewhere to remind me. That and the Good, Better, Best talk. Hopefully with the new clear responsibilities and a board- you won't be too stressed on that front at least!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.
ReplyDeleteIt also helps to remember that there are times and seasons-
Sometimes we look at where someone else is and think we need to be living that kind of a life.
But its not our season. Ours will come.
I totally know what you mean about being home.
We have made a big push to do less. It can be hard when there are so many good things to do!
You are doing awesome.
Just documenting it is big!
Don't let what you can't do keep you from doing what you can!
What wonderful comments! I think it just goes to show that all mothers struggle with this at one time or another.
ReplyDeletebalance...it is difficult to attain.
I'm glad we all have each other to lift us up and remind us of all the good we are doing, even when all we are seeing is the bad.
happy blogging!
Hmmm...I feel that way, overwhelmed, more often than not! Sad, huh? Good thing Alicia told me to read your post! I really needed that today! Thanks for the uplifting message! I'm going to have to burn it into my memory!
ReplyDeletegreat quote.. and a great reminder of what we are doing and why!! I try to not fill guilty limiting what we do.. but its all for a great cause!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteNice. No wonder I was confused by the other one.
ReplyDeleteI was avoiding dealing with the girls' fall clothes, so I decided to look at your blog. You are honored, I'm sure, as I don't look at anyone's blog!