Last weekend, I attended a gathering of women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a session of Women’s Conference, a series of short talks directed towards women of the church and all around the world. This conference is always inspiring, and leaves me feeling empowered and motivated to be a better wife, mother, and disciple. The talks were wonderful again this year, but one line of one talk really struck a chord with me and I want to share that message with you all today!
Henry B. Eyering of the first presidency of the LDS church was speaking about his early days as a father when he described getting frustrated at his young son for dangerously jumping on the bed. He explained, “I felt a flash of frustration, and I moved quickly to set my house in order. I grabbed my son by his little shoulders and lifted him up to where our eyes met. The Spirit [of the Lord] put words into my mind. It seemed a quiet voice, but it pierced to my heart: “You are holding a great person.” I gently set him back on the bed and apologized.”
How many times have we done this exact same thing?! I find myself constantly trying to keep calm with Reagan, trying to have patience and use the word “no” less often. I try to be a good example and calmly explain why we can’t climb on the furniture or dump entire cereal boxes onto the floor. And I fail all the time! I get frustrated and I get exasperated and that’s totally normal. I loved this message because it really puts into perspective our role as mothers. Not only are we raising children, but we are raising great people who will one day do amazing things in this world! It is our responsibility to see them not only as they are, but as the people they will become, and when we adopt that perspective I think our entire parenting strategy can change.
Now, whenever I start to feel myself getting frustrated, I look at Reagan and imagine the great person she is and the great person she’s going to become. And it helps so much! I treat her with more respect and in turn gain her trust and respect. This is something I will hold onto through all stages of motherhood with all my children, and I truly believe it will help foster a closer relationship between us.