O Remember, Remember

I recently heard a powerful talk given by Henry B. Eyring entitled, O Remember, Remember that suggests our experiences are not for us alone but to share with others. So in an attempt to share my gratitude for the life lessons I have received and to follow the counsel of my priesthood leaders I will share a few of my recent experiences that have helped me understand various gospel principles in a very powerful way lately.

Tuesday July 17th 2012
Today in the pool Grant unknowingly crossed in front of Spencer kicking him in the head and knocking off his goggles while he was at it. The struggle shocked Spencer and he got scared and looked at me no longer able to continue swimming across the pool. I jumped up from my seat and three feet into the pool. It must have been pretty funny for the onlookers to watch a 26 week pregnant mom jump into the pool like that. Anyway, I got him to the edge just as he started sinking...or I thought he was anyway.  He said he was doggy paddling to stay above the water.  Grant like I said had no idea what happened and felt worse than I did.

As I made my way back to the side of the pool I realized how easy it was for me to jump right into the pool when I saw that Spencer was in danger. Normally, I have to painfully inch into the pool because I hate how cold it is. Because my concern for Spencer outweighed my desire to be comfortable I was able to completely focus on his needs in that moment. The lesson seemed so powerful to me at the time it brought tears to my eyes. If I can learn to look to the needs of others more consistently I will be able to see more clearly what they need and actually give it unhindered by my own selfishness.  President Monson illustrated this idea  far better than I can in the following article. President Monson on Duty

Wednesday July 18th 2012
I had a thought that propelled me forward this morning as I contemplated crawling back into bed after breakfast...not wanting to deal with dishes, housework chores etc."How will your boys know how to work when they don't feel well if you haven't taught them how to do it?"

Wow, how's that for getting you to stop feeling sorry for yourself and get going on what is yours and yours alone to do? I am so grateful I heard that thought. So often I miss or dismiss those fleeting impressions and for some reason I caught it this morning.

Though still tired and not really feeling great I got up and started on the dishes with my boys. We moved onto the chores for the day and eventually ended with dusting a big plant from their room. It was a great day. I'm so grateful for the reminders from the holy ghost helping me see what is most important in each moment every day. I'm always surprised by how daunting certain tasks seem as you look ahead to what needs to be done and yet how manageable--rewarding even they always turn out to be once you get started. The Lord Always provides a way for you to accomplish the things he wants you to do. He provides the energy, his presence and guidance and an experience that blesses you far beyond anything you had to sacrifice in obeying. I am so grateful for the opportunity and great privilege it is to be able to hear instruction from our Heavenly Father and then obey it.

 Here are a few of the comments I heard while dusting the plant. Needless to say...Grant and Spencer were not happy to be doing it. Spencer probably didn't care he likes to be where everyone else is, but Grant was irritated. He did it though and I am so proud of him for it. The spirit was with us and It felt so good to know I didn't go back to bed. That I took the opportunity to teach when I was prompted to do so.

Grant: "Why do we have to do this anyway?", "Can't we just throw this plant away...I don't even know why we need it?"

Me: "Let's get this party started!"

Grant: "How about we get this party over...It's the worst party ever."

Spencer: "It's worse than that."

Grant: "I bet we could sell this at a garage sale. We could probably get 10 bucks."

Spencer: "I bet we could get $70."

Grant: "No...it's not worth that much."

Spencer: "I wish we had a flower...one flower that was alive and didn't get dirty or need to be dusted."

Grant: Yeah

These boys are so precious to me. I love being their mother and working with them day in and day out...even when its hard. I wouldn't trade them or my job as a mother for anything. It makes me happy and I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without all that they teach me."

Thank you sweet little boys. Can't wait to add another one to the group in October!!!