Unexpected

Today's Wordfull Wednesday topic:

"One thing I've learned from motherhood that I never expected to learn."

It's a matter of strength. Growing up I had a relatively easy life. I was never confronted with anything that tried and tested my own convictions and ideals. Now...I have learned (and continue to learn) what I'm made of. 

I want what's best for my children, and if that means suffering through a year of painful nursing, so be it.

If that means dragging them to church every Sunday for 3 hours, smack in the middle of nap-time, so be it.

If I have to say "No" fifty times when it would be easier to say "yes", so be it.

I have "broken down" quite a few times in these past three years and have thus learned more about how to pick myself up, dust off, and try again than I ever thought possible. When I stop to think about it, I'm pretty impressive! Am I boasting? It might seem that way, if I were to stop here. But you see, there's another side to this coin.

It's a matter of weakness. Growing up I had a relatively easy life. Whatever weaknesses and challenges I had seem trivial as I look back. Now...I have learned (and continue to learn) that I need help.

I want the best for my children, and that means I need help and guidance from a far higher power.

That means I pray harder than I've ever prayed before.

That means I throw all MY plans and expectations out and follow HIS perfect way for me and my family. 

As a mother I have experienced more feelings of fear and incompetence than I ever expected. But as I turn to the Lord he fills me with faith, love, courage, and strength. More than I can ever comprehend!

As Ammon testifies in Alma 25, so it is with me:

"I do not boast in my own strength,

nor in my own wisdom; but behold,

my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim 

with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.

Yea, I know that I am nothing;

as to my strength I am weak; therefore

I will not boast of myself, 

but I will boast of my God, for in his

strength I can do all things."