day sixty-eight: I will not come down





Sometimes I find that I look for a reason behind each thing I do, and granted, some things better have a reason or I am not doing them (think meetings, housework).  I like reasons.  I really do.  I was reminded today in a lesson at church that we have a purpose in what we are doing in our homes, and during the entire lesson I had a scripture running through my head.  Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation for a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. 

As a wife and mom primarily (and everything else secondarily), I know this principle is beyond true, even though it sometimes takes years to get that testimony.  As my children have become adults the payoffs have started happening, in the way I see them embrace kindness and service as a way of living.  Some of these lessons they may have learned from me and my husband, but many of these things they have learned through their own experiences and through their own communication with the Lord.  We teach both directly and indirectly as parents, and we hope and pray and cry and reteach over and over again, crossing our fingers that we are helping to shape these little spirits into people that can go out and do the world some good.

So whenever I feel that tug to put something else ahead of my family I will try and remember the foundation I am trying to lay.  And I will slap that mortar on really thick and hang around to watch it dry.

7 comments

wendy | October 25, 2009 at 5:33 PM

(why is it fun to be first??)
anyway, yes yes yes, keep the family first.
Make those children important and never let go of a teaching and learning and experiencing kind of moment.

Make buckets and buckets of mortar.
I often wonder if I was "one bucket short" as a mom

April | October 25, 2009 at 5:56 PM

My favorite scripture is Proverbs 22:6.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

I love it because it reminds me that I may not see the benefits of my labor until later, but it is important to train them!

Marianne | October 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM

Beautiful. Important reminders. Thanks.

Julie | October 25, 2009 at 11:00 PM

I have always said that when your children get into high school they need you more than ever. Too many people think that their job is done when they become teens. Not so-or as my mom always used to say, "It never ends" and she's right!

charrette | October 25, 2009 at 11:14 PM

So inspiring. You guys have laid such a strong foundation.

L looks awesome in his wheelchair!
We missed having G this weekend. But are truly at your beck and call whenever you need us! xo

Kimberly Vanderhorst | October 26, 2009 at 12:28 PM

What a poignant reminder. I love how as you learn and grow we, your readers, get to grow a little with you.

Dedee | October 27, 2009 at 11:22 AM

Thanks for the reminder. I need this right now.