Mother's Day wrap-up

Yesterday was Mother's Day, and it was wonderful! We started the day by going to church, which is what we always do on Sunday. The men took over the children's and youth's organizations so that all of the women could meet together. It was nice to see many of the women that I usually don't have an opportunity to see since they are busy with their usual responsibilities. The men also spoiled us by putting out a spread of sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, brownies and cookies. Church is more fun when there are treats! ;)

My sister Laura and her husband Brett and their baby came over for dinner. Things were low-key since there were only five of us (plus the baby), but it was still fun to do something to celebrate Mother's Day. My mom made a new recipe for dinner – Chicken Cordon Bleu lasagna. Everyone loved it and it had a really good flavor.

A few more thoughts about Mother's Day:

I just want to say again how thankful I am for my mother. I'm grateful that she takes care of me so that I can live at home. I don't know what I would do without her. I also appreciate the example she is to me. She’s one of the most Christ-like people I know. She's really smart, too, and seems to know so much about so many things. She's especially knowledgeable when it comes to the Scriptures and the Gospel. I hope one day I'll know as much as she does, but I've got a long way to go! :)

As wonderful as Mother's Day is, I can't help but feel a twinge of sadness on this happy day. I love honoring my mom, but I'm sad knowing that this will never be my holiday. I've heard some women say how much they hate Mother's Day for one reason or another (usually it's things like they can't have children, or have a painful/strained relationship with their own mother) and they've become bitter and just hate the holiday altogether. Although I'm sympathetic to these sorts of issues, I can't relate to feeling bitter because that's just not a part of my personality.

I CAN relate to feelings of sadness and disappointment, though. Oh, how I would love to be a mother and to have my own family! I just wish everyone who is a mother and has their own family would realize how lucky they are and what a wonderful blessing it is! Too often people take it for granted. I know it's easier said than done to always "count your blessings," but I get sad when people don't value the thing I desperately wish I had.

When I feel sad I just have to remind myself that Mother's Day is about more than only women who have their own children. There are many more definitions of mother than just that. You can be a mother to any child that you have an influence on. There's a great quote that I want to share from a woman named Sheri Dew: 

"Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us."

*From an address she gave called, "Are We Not All Mothers"

I'll take the twinges of sadness now because I DO know that in the next life I’ll have my own family. That will be a splendid day!