HANDS FULL NOW HEARTS FULL LATER

I loved Katie's post the other day about mothers. I agree with Katie that one it is the most important and sacred job that you can do to be a mother. And two it is the most challenging job that you can do and Satan does want to discourage us. The rewards don't come in the form of a pay check but I can't think of anything that has greater blessings. This is important to remember when you have those crazy mommy moments during the day. We had regional conference on Sunday and Boyd K. Packer gave a great talk. He said that his wife always had her hands full at church by herself while he was traveling on church callings and a widow in the ward said to her, "it looks like you have your hands full." Sister Packer said, "yes I do." Then the widow said, "hands full now heart full later." Isn't that a great thought to think about. These sweet kids and their kids (our posterity) will be the source of our greatest joy and blessings. I just want to thank my mom, my grandmas and all of my friends for the women they are and for their sweet examples. I learn from all of you on a daily basis. Isn't it nice to have other women to share you daily triumphs and failures. Like Katie said I know too that I am a work in progress and I have a long way to go. But we are truely blessed to be mothers and learn unconditional love and patience. I just read this poem and I love it. This is good for all of us to remember....

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'dfinger paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off the watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.

Dian Lommas, from "If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again."