Just a few thoughts on Moms

Just a few thoughts on moms

by Isaac

                We live in a world where traditional ideas and values are being challenged. The concept of "mom" is evolving, and no longer means what it used to.  Sometimes it's easy to take for granted just how important moms are. For all that she is and does; is one day a year of devotion really enough? I think it is important to look at what a mother is and how it compares to that of a mom. Do they mean the same thing? Also what are her many roles? Perhaps one of the most unaccredited jobs in our world today is that of a mom. Mom has become almost a casual byword in society. The term mom and mother used to be synonymous, however, in many instances, this is no longer the case. It is my opinion that mother is now more of a maternal title; cold and almost distancing. The title simply denotes one who provided a means of helping to create life, passing on biological traits, and furthering the existence of humankind.  It also implies the idea of no real responsibility beyond that. A mother will sacrifice herself for 9 months to bring the child into the world. In contrast, the title of mom is much more intimate. I believe it is also far more encompassing. A mom will work and sacrifice not just the mere 9 months, but her entire life. The reward of which, is much greater and long term than that of a mother. A mom does not merely just bring life into the world, but help to raise that life.  The ending goal being to raise a healthy, functioning, and productive member of society. A child who can contribute to the world in their own particular way.

                But a mom, is not just a mom. No, she is much more than that. The attributes and roles that mom play are vastly numerous and different. They are varied and specific for each particular family. I know in our household the role of mom is several things in one. I would like to share just  a few  that I feel are important. First the attributes. Probably the greatest is that a mom is charity, a pure love. We know that charity is the pure love of Christ. We must all obtain that kind of a love for others during life. I feel that no one in human existence experiences that level of love, as close to that of the Savior, as that of a mom.  Why? Just as Christ sacrificed himself for all of us. Though it pales in comparison, a mom sacrifices herself. She goes through pain and suffering, even getting close to the point of death just to bring souls into the world. She sets aside her own physical well being, and cares more for the welfare of another. In a significant way, she is helping fulfill the plan of salvation. Which leads me next to sacrifice. To give up something that one wants, for something better. A mom often has to sacrifice her own time, wants, and desires; in some cases her own hopes and dreams. As she helps the child learn and grow throughout life. A mom also possess empathy and nurturing. She shares in her children's emotions, not just the joys but the sorrows too. She feels pain when they do. She cries when they cry. She picks them up when they stumble and fall; and is there to offer words of encouragement along the way. She has Patience and Temperance under stress. A mom has the amazing ability exhibit composure and emotional self control. When all of the challenges of life seem to be stacking up (ie: bills, cooking, maintaining the house, etc.) A mom seems to have time to stop and dedicate attention to something as small as helping her child with an art project, or playing with her children. Finally meekness and kindness. Through her gentle way a mom helps bring a spirit of peace and love into the home.

                A mom is an amazing multi-tasker, she can play many different roles. Here are a few examples. Teacher, she educates both in secular ways and also in life lessons. To help her children develop and become the best person they can be. A mom has to mold, still developing young minds. She read to, and with them, instructs them, and helps with homework.  Trying to  help prepare her children for the future. Hoping her children can pursue their own desires in life and gain the best education they can get.  Nurse, a mom has to be prepared for the worst. Everything from cleaning up throw up to handling minor cuts and scrapes. To be able to help heal both physical and emotional wounds, she has the ability to comfort her hurt and sick children. Cook, a mom does her best to prepare everything from gourmet meals to boxed mac n cheese. She bakes cakes for birthdays and has snacks for snack time. Artist, mom is always there to help encourage creativity. She helps her children discover and develop their talents. She helps them expands their imaginations. Councilor, she always is there to listen to her children's problems. She knows just the right things to say to help when her kids are feeling down. She seems to be able to solve any emotional problem or difficulty. House keeper, not only does she keeps the household in order. She also cleans and organizes, beautifies, and decorates the house. Defender, a mom is a child's greatest champion. She would do anything to protect her kids. She would willingly sacrifice her own life to protect the lives of her children. She would fight with the ferocity of a wild animal. Like a lioness protecting her cubs, no one messes with her children. Sunday School Teacher, some of the best spiritual lessons are taught in the home. A mom instills gospel teachings in her children. She helps them build their own personal faith, and helps them to develop their own personal testimonies.

                There are many more attributes, qualities, and roles that this woman plays in life. The list could go on and on. And for every household this list might be modified slightly. She is all of these things and more 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Whatever the roles she plays all of these can easily be summed up into one simple and noble title, mom. I am truly grateful for the moms in my life. More specifically the one who is mom to my children. She really is a "super mom". Thank you Jessica for ALL that you do for this family. I don't know how you do it, but you keep this household going. I don't know what I would do without you.