We are all under the Savior’s command to love and care for each other and especially for the weak and defenseless.
I love conference weekends. I have very fond memories of General Conference as a girl. I loved MANY of the talks that were given over the course of this weekend but this one specifically spoke volumes to my heart and mind. I love Elder Oaks boldness and direct manner of speaking. I do whole heartedly believe that the calling I hold as a mother is indeed a very sacred one and one that I will be held accountable for in every way. In the current circumstance of my life, I do believe that I am my children's voice. It is my sacred duty to teach them what is right and true in every way. I have made sacred covenants to do so. I also know that the most profound way we are able to teach our children is through personal example.
“Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The proclamation to the family is clear and concise as to what our duty is. I love how it says our duty is to rear children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and SPIRITUAL needs. I think I overlooked that fundamental responsibility in my early years of motherhood. I worked and I worked A LOT. I helped provide for the physical needs of my children in every way. As I have finally had the opportunity to be home with my children, I have come to the realization that my time here in my home is where I should have been all along. The sacrifices that have had to be made have been worth every moment of being here with my children. The physical needs ARE important but I think we get so caught up in that, we loose sight of what is truly important and that is to spiritually nurture our children. It will matter not what clothes I wore, what model of car I drove, what elaborate home I lived in when all is said and done. I hope that the fruits of my labors of this mortal existence are evident in my children and the faith and testimonies they have of the true and everlasting gospel. I pray and seek guidance daily from Heavenly Father to guide my footsteps as I raise HIS choice spirits and pray that I fulfill this calling adequately that they will be able to declare and distinguish, without hesitation, what is right and what is wrong.
