Mothers Come In All Shapes, Sizes, and Circumstances

Today is a day that has been set aside to recognize and honor mothers.  My hope is that each person on this earth of ours would honor their mother, not just today but every day of the year.  After all, if nothing more, your mother walked through the valley of death in order to give birth to you.  She experienced her body making extreme changes in order for you to develop.  She suffered considerable pain and discomfort to just get you here.  It has to be one of the most unselfish acts that a human being can do.

Mothers have the divine responsibility of giving their child the early lessons in life. Their influence upon us can not be measured.  Check out this video for examples of what I am referring to.  

Each mother is unique with varying sets of circumstances, just as each of us as their child is unique.  The challenges each person faces can become lighter when we turn our attention to the lord.  Sister Linda K Burton, General President of the Relief Society said this: “No matter what circumstances we are in—if we are married, widowed, divorced, or single; if we struggle with infertility or have had miscarriages; if our children have wandered; if our children have special needs—if we are keeping our covenants, we have a great cause to rejoice. When we keep our covenants it allows the Lord to make up the difference in the weaknesses we see in ourselves.”

To me, my mother was the perfect mother with no weaknesses at all.  I know many of my friends feel the same way about their mother.  I wish the entire world would feel that way.  I imagine if I were able to talk with my mother about this she would say that she is far from perfect but the simple fact is she is perfect for me.  Any weaknesses she may have had, the Lord made up the difference.

Just as my mother was perfect for me, so is my wife.  This amazing woman continues to treat me as a king.  She selflessly give of herself to our children and our grandchildren.  She wears responsibility of mother as a crown of honor, which of course it is.  She has my never ending love, admiration, and dedication.

It is my prayer that today each person may remember, honor, and have a greater appreciation for the women in our lives who have nurtured them, taught them, and gave unselfishly of themselves for them.  Each mother and wife, no matter their circumstances, weaknesses, or situations, deserve to be treated as royalty for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make in our behalves. 

Submitted by: James Tanner