Motherhood

Sometimes I wonder why motherhood has to be so challenging. I wonder why can't babies sleep through the night, why do they have to spit-up and blow-out, why are toddlers such picky eaters, why won't toddlers listen to you, and the list goes on and on. And then I remember that life isn't supposed to be easy. It's supposed to stretch us and make us grow. And nothing else has made me stretch and grow more than motherhood.

P2 is really a pretty easy baby, but I think a lot of that is because being a mother to P1 caused me to stretch and grow. So now taking care of a newborn is easier for me. But the stretching and growing this time around comes from learning how to take care of a toddler and a baby at the same time.

I've lost my patience a lot more with P1 since P2 came along. I could blame lack of sleep, but while that may be the reason, it is still not a good excuse. I have to grow and learn how to still be patient, kind, compassionate, and loving even when I am exhausted. I have to learn to be Christ-like in all conditions, not just when everything is easy.

Christ suffered more than we can comprehend in Gethsemane and on the cross. He must have been exhausted beyond our mortal comprehension. If anyone ever had the "right" to be less than kind, loving, and compassionate because they were tired or having a bad day, then it was Christ. He suffered EVERYTHING, all of our pains and afflictions, and yet He was still kind, patient, and compassionate.

"At each moment of His suffering, the Redeemer of the world showed exceptional self-control. He always thought of blessing others; with kindness and tenderness, He pleaded for John to take care of His mother, Mary. He asked His Father in Heaven to forgive the executioners who crucified Him." 

-Elder Carlos H. Amado, Christ the Redeemer, April 2014

Christ is our perfect example. And motherhood is truly a gift from God to help me become more Christ-like.