In Gratitude of our Mothers

I never fully appreciated my mother until I became one. It wasn't until I experienced sleepless nights, going without showers because I was too busy, cleaning up messes, changing diapers, and caring more about another human than myself, that I realized how special my mother was. She did all of these things for me! This selfless sacrifice is irreplaceable. A statement made by the First Presidency gives perspective to how the Lord views the role of a mother "Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels" (James R. Clark, 1935-1951, p.178). Wow! What a blessing motherhood is. To be given a calling that requires so much sacrifice, but also gives the blessing of being close to God in my mind is nothing short of priceless. Being a mother myself, there have been times when I've wondered if the work that I do is worth it? There are times that it seems that no one notices that their drawers are stocked with clean clothes, the dishes in the cupboards are clean, and that everyone is delivered on time to their various activities. Now I don't say these things to toot my own horn, but rather to say that I understand how a mother can feel taken for granted at times. The worlds view on motherhood isn't encouraging. The work that mothers perform in the home is often devalued leaving some mothers to feel less than important. Church doctrine as well as social scientists have a different opinion on this matter. Researchers have uncovered that a mother as a significant influence on their children. They found that "the way a mother interacts with her child, her maternal sensitivity, is the strongest, most consistent predictor of her child's cognitive, social, and emotional development (NICHD, 2003).

Mothers are also critical in nurturing growth and development in their children. They create a loving environment where peace and contentment are found. When a home is orderly, clean, and children adhere to a schedule, the outcomes are grand. Children thrive when a routine is put in place and mothers have the power to provide this in the home. Mothers also help with development through the emotional work that they do with their children. Who’s the first person you want to tell when you aced a test, made a new friend, or had a tough day? It's mom! Mothers help facilitate emotional work as they listen, support, converse with, and recognize feelings. These actions given by a mother cannot be replaced. Teacher is also a critical role that mothers play. As infants, mothers teach their children how to communicate as they talk to them, smile, and play. As the child grows, principles and wisdom that the mother has learned is passed onto her children. Mothers in an LDS home teach the gospel. Their children learn where they came from, what their purpose is, and where they are going. This knowledge is priceless! Elder David O. Mckay said "Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good, or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world." Motherhood is divine. It allows us to think outside of our self, feel a deep sense of appreciation to those that have influenced our life, and will bring a closeness to our Heavenly Father like nothing else can. Mothers are special, and motherhood is a gift from above.