Motherhood

I know I'm a bit out of my league here, but I've got some thoughts on mothers because I've been pretending to be one while my wife is out of town. She took our youngest and I have the other three. I've done this pseudo-mothering thing several times before and I have to say that I'm jealous of all you moms who get to stay home with your kids. I know not every mother is so fortunate, but I think it's so nice for the kids when the mom can do that. I have loved playing mom every chance I get. I get so much more satisfaction and fulfillment by talking, working, and playing with my kids than I do from working at a job. To me, there is nothing more lasting than the impact parents have on their children. Being there for them when they go to school, when they come home from school, making home a clean, comfortable, beautiful place, feeding them good food, and all the other million things that mothers get to do combine to make a powerful impact on the world.



Yesterday, making dinner for them, cleaning the house, getting them ready for bed, and even disciplining them were all so satisfying. I don't have all the answers on parenting, but I have often found in recent years that I can see the impact my actions have on my children. I try to fill them up with love and when I do, they respond in a positive, healthy way, even when I discipline them. I love watching them grow and develop under the influence of that love. This morning, I had so much fun helping them get ready and off to school. We got up a little earlier than normal so we would have plenty of time and we spent about 10 minutes reading together in the Book of Mormon. That was really fun. They have some amazing insights and as I shared some of my thoughts, I watched their eyes light up with new understanding and I just fell in love with them all over again. One of the best parts of the morning was when, on the way to school, my oldest asked, "Dad, can we wake up at 6:30 again tomorrow?" I answered, "Yes, definitely" as my heart melted. It was a good morning.

Those children are some of the most incredible people I have ever known. I want to be with them all day instead of working at a job. But I'll enjoy them this week and then get back to what I know I need to do.