What Mothers Can Learn from the Savior

I’ve been reading lately about mothering.

Free Day, by Serena Davidson
A Defining Moment, by Stephanie
Motherhood Prep 101, by Em
Pliability, Adaptability, Variability, by Michelle L

...just to share a few.

There are a lot more mommy blogs out there, too, allowing young mothers to connect and share their lives with each other rather than feeling isolated. It’s nice to know someone understands.

That’s a good thing.

Some are more upbeat and grateful, and recognize the tender mercies in their lives, the small moments that add up to a full satisfying life. They are finding the joy along the way.

That's a good thing.

Some show women on the edge of burnout, but coping and getting stronger, sharing their experiences and lifting others. Their growth is heart-warming and they have many cheerleaders rooting for them.

That's a good thing.

But I have felt a little overwhelmed for young mothers in general.

Long lists of to-dos, shoulds and ought-tos, viewing years of mothering all at once, taking their futures in as a whole and wondering how they will ever manage. Manage the mundane, manage demands on their time and attention from all directions, manage the guilt of not being able to do it all.

Perhaps we lose focus and make our lives more difficult than they need to be when we are raising kids.

As always the prophets and scriptures can help us simplify the expectations, cut through the confusion and tune in to the essential, letting all else go.

I found this simple article in the March 2010 Ensign.

I like simple.

What Mothers Can Learn from the Savior  

Mothers can trust in the Savior’s example. Do as He did. 

Spend time with your children
Even when He was tired He said “Suffer the little children to come unto me.” 

Pray for your children
“And He took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them and blessed them.” Hold your children and let them hear you pray for them aloud. 

Help your children love the Sabbath
He did good works on the Sabbath though He was criticized for it. Visiting, reading scriptures together, eating together, serving, listening to good music, creating scrapbooks, playing games, and writing letters to loved ones make it a good day. 

Teach faith in Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ
“The good Shepherd goeth before them and the sheep follow him: for they know His voice.” Teach children to listen to His voice and follow him.

Quiet your own fears with faith in the Lord
Boyd K. Packer reminds us, “If you don’t know what to do next, He does.” 

Make time for teaching and learning
Your teaching, over the years, in your homes, in words they understand, will be the most effective. 

Remember a mother’s calling
He understood and fulfilled His role in Heavenly Father’s plan. You can too.

Sisters, have the courage to do what works for your family regardless of what neighbors, friends, ward members, sisters-in-law, mommy bloggers, or popular parenting experts say or do.

Let everything else go.

Focus on the essentials of what the gospel teaches about parenting and let everything else go.

Listen to the Spirit and let everything else go.

When your kids are grown you’ll wish you had done more of those few basics we know by heart—prayer, scripture study, family home evening, service—and less of what the world was doing with their families.

James E. Faust
If you have done your best,
which you usually do,
your humble offering,
whatever it may be,
will be acceptable
and pleasing to the Lord.

e