“It is the home which produces the nursery stock of new generations. I hope that you mothers will realize that when all is said and done, you have no more compelling responsibility, nor any laden with greater rewards, than the nurture you give your children in an environment of security, peace, companionship, love, and motivation to grow and do well.” -Gordon B. Hinckley
I grew up in a home where my mom gave me a gift. The greatest gift she could ever give. Herself. She was educated, talented, a certified teacher and worked until the day she delivered her first born child. That day was the first of many years that my mom stayed home with us, all six of us. She taught us, nurtured us, and worked 24 hours a day- joyfully and inexhaustibly taking care of our needs as my dad provided for our family.
By the world’s standards, my mother’s choice to stay home and raise her children was, and still is, a waste of talent and lack of contribution to society. To me, it is the exact opposite.
My mother knew that “The greatest work that (she) could ever do would be within the walls of (her) own home. “-Harold B. Lee
She used her mind, talents, and love to teach and guide her own children to become responsible, kind, contributing citizens of this wonderful country of ours.
The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance… Children are being born into a world where they “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12) -Julie B. Beck, Mothers Who Know,for full address click HERE)
I commend you working mothers as well. Every situation and family is different. I know that whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom— the Lord loves you both the same. You are doing his work and nurturing and caring for his children on earth. He will bless you ten fold for your efforts. If you seek his help, he will strengthen and sustain you as you bless his children.
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Beautifully put Laura!:)
This post helped me a lot. I’m about to graduate and I think I’ve been stressing too much about a future career. What I’m realizing is that I shouldn’t worry about the future of my work life but the future of my family! Thanks La!
LOVE this!! Thank you for posting this! You are an amazing mama.
Thank you for your kind words Laura. They touched me deeply as did Jeffrey R. Holland’s message. Thank you for putting out there a message to women everywhere that is so needed today. From my perspective, from the advanced age of 61, I have been able to see, somewhat, how nurturing my children through the ups and downs of daily living has ultimately paid off. They are responsible, capable, and outstanding people who are each contributing to society in their own, positive way. All those little, daily decisions and duties of motherhood come together and, all at once, it seems, the children are raised and on their own. The choices we make each day truly shape eternity.
Love this post, Laura. It’s unfortunate when our society equates success only with a paycheck. There is nothing more important than raising healthy, well adjusted children who grow up to be contributing, self supporting adults.. That’s not to say that working moms aren’t good parents–but those who choose to stay home should be admired, not denigrated.