In this mindset, I sat down to read Mosiah chapter 2 in my personal scripture study the other day, and I found that a lot of it directly applied to my role as a mother. I'm referring to the verses where Benjamin speaks about serving the people as their king. I'm sure I'm not the first person to relate these verses to mothers, but it was a new thought for me and I wanted to share. (Words in italics have been altered from the original scripture.)
10 I have not commanded you to come up hither that ye should fear me, or that ye should think that I of myself am more than a mortal woman.
11 But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind; yet I have been chosen ... and was suffered by the hand of the Lord that I should be a mother over these children; and have been kept and preserved by his matchless power, to serve you with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me.
Sometimes I feel like I'm supposed to be perfect, but it's ok to be human. It's also ok to admit that we're human. We will make mistakes, but we have been chosen for this role. If we rely on Christ and don't try to do it all on our own, our best will be good enough. He will give us the might, mind and strength that we need to be righteous mothers in Zion.
12 I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you;
Isn't that a good description of motherhood? We spend our days in service of our families, and our payment is not monetary.
13 Neither have I suffered that ye should be confined in dungeons, nor that ye should make slaves one of another, nor that ye should murder, or plunder, or steal, or commit adultery; nor even have I suffered that ye should commit any manner of wickedness, and have taught you that ye should keep the commandments of the Lord, in all things which he hath commanded you--
It is part of our roles as mothers to teach our children the commandments, to do our best to keep them out of trouble. It's more of a stretch, but the reference to dungeons made me think about the responsibility of keeping a beautiful and orderly home.
14 And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, ... and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne--and of all these things of which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.
I think we all desire to give our children a happy childhood, and to shield them from sadness whenever possible. While I know Cosette will go through trials in her life, as we all do, when it's within my power I want to spare her from things which are "grievous to be borne".
15 Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.
16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
These verses made me stop and think - what is my motivation when I'm serving my family? I admit I'm not always Christlike, and there are days that I want more recognition and praise than I receive. But I should strive to serve out of love. I should also be grateful for all of the many ways that Jeff helps around the house, and not seek to "accuse" him of not doing enough.
17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of you God.
I know this scripture is often quoted, but that's the real heart of motherhood, isn't it? We're not just serving our family members - we're serving God each and every day.
18 Behold, ye have called me your mother; and if I, whom ye call your mother, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?
19 And behold also, if I, whom ye call your mother, who has spent her days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King.
What a wonderful thought. Our service can be an example to our children and help them to turn to their Heavenly Father. I know my mother's example for me helped me to gain and strengthen my own testimony, and I hope I can do the same for my children.
I hope you got something out of these insights. I know I'll never read these verses in Mosiah chapter 2 without thinking of the divine calling of motherhood.
1 comment:
I just read a little book given to me on Mother's day that takes the 23rd Psalm and applies it to motherhood. It is very well done. It makes you look at motherhood differently too - just like this scripture. You can borrow it sometime, if you want. I feel like becoming a mother helped me better understand our Father in Heaven and His relationship with us and love for us.
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