Friday, February 13, 2009

It bears repeating...


Life as of late has been such that this exerpt from a friend's blog seemed apropos. As I write this, Wyatt is taking bites of his latest Valentine from his great grandmother. And yes, he actually got a bite in his mouth and just spit it out on the floor. I guess is didn't taste as good as it looked.
I think maybe I needed reminding more than any of you, but here it is none the less! I hope you moms remember what a great and awesome job you are doing. When you actually stop and think on it, it is of the utmost importance, all while feeling like the most insignificant. That's why the article.
"Homemaking" written by J.R. Miller, originally published in 1882
"Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her when a babe is placed in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse into the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she look into it's soul to see it's possibilities; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of it's life and for it's destiny-she would see that in all God's world there is no work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no other hands the sacred and holy trust given to her.
What we want to do with our children is not merely to control them and keep them in order, but to implant in true principals deep in their hearts which shall rule their whole lives; to shape their character from within into Christ-like beauty, and to make them noble men and women, strong for battle and duty. They are to be trained rather than governed. Growth of character, not merely good behavior, is the object of all home governing and teaching. Therefore the home influence is far more important than the home laws and the parent's lives are (far more important) than their teachings.
O mothers of young children, I bow before you in reverence. Your work is most holy. You are fashioning the destinies of immortal souls. The power folded up in the little ones that you hushed to sleep in your bosoms last night are powers that shall exist forever. You are preparing them for their immortal destiny and influence. Be faithful. Take up your sacred burden reverently. Be sure that your heart is pure and your life is sweet and clean."

Lord, let me remember the awesome and amazing job you've given me in the form of two little snot nosed boys and keep me sweet! Happy Valentines!

4 comments:

Shanole said...

did you guys have a good time at the Pavilion?

Anonymous said...

I love that note! Do you mind if I post it on our blog, too? What a GREAT reminder!

Terri said...

Hey Am! I just found your blog through Andrea's :) You are simply lovely and amazing!

Sela said...

THANKS for that! Something I think all of us moms could read every morning before we go get our kids up for the day and start wiping (bottoms, noses, counters, etc) all over again :)

I am reading a book called Mission of Motherhood that really brings home some of these things, like the most amazing fact that God has given us care of these immortal beings. I haven't finished it yet, and I'm sure you have gobs of time to be reading, but it's encouraging and exhorting at the same time (at least so far).