Life.

I noticed I've been posting a lot about events/celebrations lately, and while that is all fine and good and we totally love those times....I also realize it doesn't give the whole story.  We don't party all the time, or go on amazing excursions every week, and we don't have purely kind words floating in the air in our home.  I feel like especially lately, I've had some stretching experiences that have made me realize, I've got so much to learn.

I've been learning to hold back and let my kids stumble and learn lessons on their own.  Man, that is hard.  Instinct just makes me want to jump right in and make everything perfect, but I know that is not the best thing.  There have been some hard lessons to learn, but experience is the best teacher.  Then talking things through from there and let them lead the discussion and tell me what they've learned, that is best.  I feel so humbled in ways as a parent, and totally realize and am grateful for the fact that we are not left to be parents all on our own.  There is a greater Source of wisdom, One who knows my children better than I, and the amazing thing is that He cares and helps when you don't have any idea which way to go.  Does that mean it is easy?  No.  Does that mean that answers come immediately when you think you need them?  Not necessarily, but I'm grateful that we're left to struggle seemingly on our own for answers, but I know if I have a humble heart I'm guided more than I even know.

The bottom line is I love my children, with my whole heart.  I want them to blossom into happy, capable, responsible adults.  I want them to know their mom loves them every step of the way, even when I'm exasperated and on my last straw.  I realize it is going to be tough.  It can be a challenge every day to try to do what is best for each child. I'm so grateful for a great spouse whom I lean on for help a lot.  I'm so grateful he patiently listens to my concerns and worries and helps me think things through. 

Life is good, very good. I know being a mom is the most important work I could ever do, and it is serious work.  ;)  And even though there are challenges, life is sweet and there are "flecks of gold" everywhere.

I still love this quote, it's one of my favorites, from M. Russel Ballard, ". . .Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there will be shining moments of joy and satisfaction."