How does one become a mother? I do not mean physically being a mother more so using the word mother as a verb. Phrases like "being a mother bear" communicates to protect or "kissing the hurt away" as a way to nurture. Mothering is more than just giving birth or taking a child into one's care. Mothering is teaching, tending, caring, protecting, and many other act verbs. Often love is used as an action verb. I venture to say that mothering is the most active of all verbs because "motherly teaching takes time—lots of time. It cannot be done effectively
part-time. It must be done all the time in order to save and exalt your
children. This is your divine calling" (
Benson, E. T., To the Mothers in Zion, Feb 1987).
Knowing how to be a mother is not always common knowledge. A woman spoke in our sacrament meeting about how she learned to be a mother. She said she petitioned God in prayer, listened to the Holy Spirit, and watched how other mothers mothered. She learned from the women around her and asked questions to God and others. I am learning how to be a mother and to have "perfect" children. I feel that I fail often especially when my sons pray at night and in the morning that Mama won't be angry. (I'm working on it by the way.)
Recently a resource was provided to assist mothers in their quest to be better called
Mother Education. They are lessons that were taught to Relief Society sisters in the 1990s over the course of 4 years. I have enjoyed what I have started to learn to be a better Mama. I hope you will join me in learning how to mother better with your own children, nieces or nephews, or children around you. I'd love to hear of your success!
4 comments:
I learned most about motherhood by watching my own mother and from my own experience. But I did a lot of reading, too!
=)
Growing up in a home of dysfunction, I decided to do everything opposite of my mother and as I have children now try to be the mother I wish I had growing up. My husband is also very helpful in guiding me. My grandmother was wonderful and I try to emulate her in many ways. Prayer and guidance from the Holy Ghost govern most of my mothering decisions and I hope my kiddo's know how much I love them.
I hadn't heard of the Mother Education program. Amazing how the leaders provide tools for us. I have had highs and lows with motherhood. I love my children, but don't always love every minute of being a mother. In fact, I find myself being very selfish with my personal time. Its a process I guess... sacrifice, love, commitment all lead to mothering. Its taken daily and even minute by minute. I am grateful for a good mom and good friends that are wonderful examples of what a mother should be.
Wendy you have a gift with words! I enjoy reading your blog posts - I like what they make me think about. There is always a 'silver lining' of hope in the things you write. It is refreshing. I miss you!
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