My Work

I read these comments by Ashley Sullenger a few days ago, and I can't get it out of my mind.  It hit me like a ton of bricks when I read it, and my mind has been reeling ever since.  It is so profound, so true, so beautiful.  Here is what she said:

"I've thought a lot about why an 18 month old little girl would be called home and a 22 year old [me] is still here. I feel very strongly she had a specific mission in which she completed very quickly. Many people have told me her work here on earth was finished. As I kept hearing this phrase over and over again, I knew there was something I was supposed to learn from it. It took twelve weeks for it to "click" in my head. The key word is work. If Preslee's work was finished, than what's my work? What am I supposed to accomplish while I'm here on earth?


As I climb into bed each night I've started reviewing my actions during the day. What was my work for the day? What was I supposed to accomplish?

All these different ideas have been swimming around in my head for quite some time. Then as I listened to conference last Sunday it seemed that many of the speakers answered my question. They taught how to seek the Holy Ghost.They explained I need to read my scriptures, pray, do the basic things I've been taught from a young age. The things that should already be habits in my life. These simple actions invite the spirit. And once he arrives, I'll be told what my work is for that day. I'll be prompted to do His work, which becomes my work as I become an instrument for Him."

Wow, isn't that beautiful?  She is so eloquent with her words, I just love it.  What's my work?  That phrase keeps going through my head now. 

Being a mother is work.  It is hard, exhausting, behind-the-scenes work.  But right now in my life, it is my work.  It is how I am serving my Savior....raising these children the best that I know how is my purpose in life.  Everything I do every single day is preparing my children to be worthy missionaries and eventually marry in the temple and begin this cycle of teaching and loving all over again with their children.  Every day I am helping them put on their armor and face the world until they are old enough to put it on themselves. 

Ever since our Nashville dream was tossed aside, and as the baby-less months and months (and months) go by, and as the tears seem to never end, I have been slowly drawing closer and closer to my Savior.  Seeking His comfort.  Seeking his guidance and answers.  Fasting, praying, reading, studying, thinking, listening.  I'm learning a lot.  I'm so grateful for these very insignificant trials the Lord has given me because they are causing me to grow and to learn how to be still, listen, patiently do my work while I wait for His next request of me.  I have felt strongly the prompting to put my energy into motherhood.  Stop complaining & worrying.  Just serve my family.  Read to my children more.  Keep my home orderly and clean.  The rest will come.  It will fall into place.  It always does.