Mothers...

In a talk by Elder Russell M. Nelson, he states that "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."

Although I don't always feel "near to divinity," I do feel incredibly blessed to be the mother of my sweet children. Before Layla was born, during the last months of pregnancy, there was a brief moment of panic when I thought of what I was getting myself in to. I was going to be a mother....permanently. In a few months, there would be no way out...my life would be changed. I felt trapped, suffocated, and a little regretful. I was losing my independence forever.

Then, in the middle of my selfish despair, I suddenly felt overwhelmed with love for my unborn baby. I felt the weight of my calling and for the next few days, thought about the importance of mothers. As I accepted my new life, excitement and determination replaced my feelings of panic. From that point on, I wanted to be a mother. 

Being a mother is all-consuming. There are no lunch breaks, no time-outs, no quitting time. Even when my kids are not with me, I am still their mother and they are still on my mind. There is no manual, no formal instruction. I am often confused or frustrated. Usually, I feel like I'll never get it right. But in spite of all that, I love being with my kids, teaching them, and watching them grow. They are my hardest challenge but also my greatest reward.

I love my mother. I think it was only when I became a mother myself, that I could truly understand how my mother loves me. And I love Caton's mother. Both are the greatest examples to me of "mothers who honor their holy calling."

As we celebrate all mothers today, I feel so grateful to be a mother and that I get to see these little faces and hear their little voices everyday, all day.