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“No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child,” teaches Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.
“You see, it is not only that they bear us, but they continue bearing with us. It is not only the prenatal carrying but the lifelong carrying that makes mothering such a staggering feat. Of course, there are heartbreaking exceptions, but most mothers know intuitively, instinctively that this is a sacred trust of the highest order. The weight of that realization, especially on young maternal shoulders, can be very daunting” (“Behold Thy Mother,” Oct. 2015 general conference).
Elder M. Russell Ballard asks and answers these four questions regarding mothers:
- What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?
- “Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.”
- “Don’t overschedule yourselves or your children. We live in a world that is filled with options. … Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.”
- “Even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests.”
- “Pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother.”
- What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?
- “Show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.”
- “Have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child’s needs and what you can do to help.”
- “Give your wife a ‘day away’ now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities.”
- “Come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don’t put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children.”
- What can children, even young children, do?
- “You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.”
- “Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.”
- What can the Church do?
- “I suggest that the bishopric and the ward council members be especially watchful and considerate of the time and resource demands on young mothers and their families.” (See “Daughters of God,” Apr. 2008 general conference.)
“To all of our mothers everywhere, past, present, or future, I say, ‘Thank you,’” concludes Elder Holland. “‘Thank you for giving birth, for shaping souls, for forming character, and for demonstrating the pure love of Christ.’ … To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle—and all will—I say, ‘Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are. In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion, and like the Master you follow, your love “never faileth.”’ I can pay no higher tribute to anyone” (“Behold Thy Mother”).
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