First I have to say:
I don't say it enough, but I love my mom soooo much. She means everything to me and I am so grateful for everything that she has done for me. My mom will always hold a special place in my heart, even and especially when I move on to be a mother myself.
There is a quote from the First Presidency of the Church that says, "Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels."
In today's world, some people believe that our status should be dictated by our wealth or other worldly accomplishments. However, I know that being a mother is the highest position we can ever hold as daughters of God. I love this story that was shared in an LDS Ensign magazine a few years ago:
"Kristen was finishing a graduate degree and had recently given birth to her second child. She felt the other graduates had accomplished so much more and was reluctant to attend the graduation dinner. Her fears were confirmed when, at the dinner, the students were asked to list their professional accomplishments. Kristen recalled: “I suddenly felt embarrassed and ashamed. I had nothing to call myself, no lofty position, no impressive job title.” To make matters worse, the professor read the lists as he presented a diploma to each student. The woman ahead of Kristen had many accomplishments: she already had a PhD, was receiving a second master’s degree, and she’d even been a mayor! The woman received grand applause.
Then it was
Kristen’s turn. She handed the professor her blank sheet, trying to hold
back the tears. The professor had been one of her teachers and had
praised her performance. He looked at her blank paper. Without missing a
beat he announced, “Kristen holds the most critical role in all of
society.” He was quiet for a few seconds, then declared in a powerful
voice, “She is the mother of her children.” Instead of a few courteous
claps, people rose to their feet. There was just one standing ovation
that night; it was for the mother in the room."
I feel that mothers really are our angels to watch over us on earth, and I look up to them and am ever amazed of the loving sacrifices they make. I love my mom so very much and I am also grateful for all the mothers that have inspired, taught, and encouraged me.
And to those future mothers, don't let the world tell you how to be successful. Elder Russell M. Nelson said, "Prepare yourselves to ennoble, to enrich, and even to become the heart and soul of the home. You may bless others either as mothers or as legislators; as leaders in the schoolroom or in the laboratory of truth; at the hearth or at the crib side."
