Lately I've found myself complaining far too often about my mom/wife duties. Being a mother is obviously the most difficult job I will ever have in my life. Its exhausting and the work never ends. For some reason, I am always thinking that things will get easier in the future. Like maybe I will just get used to waking up early, doing dishes constantly, and cleaning up after Paige all day long. But somehow, I don't think its going to get easier. I really want a big family, so I will probably be doing these mundane tasks and many more for the next 20 years. (yikes!) So as I have realized lately that my complaining is useless, I've also realized that I have so much to be thankful for. In general conference, President Monson talked about living in the moment. He said: "I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."
I have always had a problem with constantly looking to the future...
"I will be so happy when I'm in college!"
"I will be so happy when Nate and I are done with school!"
"I will be so happy when I finally get pregnant!"
"I will be so happy when we have our own home!"
"I will be so happy when I finally take over the world!!"
And the list goes on and on...
I am challenging myself to remember everyday to enjoy my life... right now. Who cares if I have tons of laundry to put away? 
Who cares if the living room always looks like a play room?
Who cares if the living room always looks like a play room?
And who cares if there are sticky fingerprints on every surface of my house? That stuff can wait. My responsibilities as a mother are too important for me to let those other things get in the way. As difficult as motherhood is, it is also such a wonderful blessing. Paige brings so much joy to my life. I can't wait to have more children and fill my house with sticky fingerprints! :)
6 comments:
Thanks for the great reminder. Everything you said is so true. Starting today, I will challenge myself too!
What a great post! I agree, it's easy to get down on doing those mundane things over and over again. I need to be better at living in the moment and enjoying it.
I love your fireplace by the way...
And no, we aren't related to Elder Ballard. Well, very distantly, nothing worth getting excited about. My Ballard relatives are drunks.... ;).
So sweet. I know the feeling, as I am sure all mom's do. The work never ends, but I can't believe how big Eden is already. She actually went 'poo-poo' in the toilet this morning. And her vocabulary has been booming, and I can't believe some of the things she understands now. It's amazing. I always thought I was enjoying my time with her, but now as I can see her getting older, I wonder if I really have enjoyed our time enough. I too used to always look to the future and Jonathon would always remind me to be happy with now. This too is something I am working towards, so I really enjoyed your post. Good luck in your quest to enjoy the journey.
Hey. At least you have such an incredible sized laundry room for storing your piles of unfolded laundry. That's what I call joy.
ditto! it reminds me of that country song, "you're going to miss this." I have to remind myself of the same thing daily. how are you guys? your house is adorable by the way. :)
Ash- You are not alone in feeling this way ... I think all moms do - and that quote is perfect for us! Thanks for sharing.
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