Reflections on Motherhood (and writing) from LDS General Conference

I enjoy conference time. Our family has many fun traditions that make it a memorable experience. We start the day by having a hearty brunch and then we all watch conference in our pajamas. We even have traditions for the kind of food we serve. We always have waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on Saturday, and homemade cinnamon rolls on Sunday. For the October conference, we make caramel apples dipped in white chocolate—yummy!

My favorite talk this past weekend was given by M. Russell Ballard. He was speaking specifically to mothers. Below you will find his direct quotations (in quotes of course) followed by my own ramblings on the subject.

First of all, “There is no one perfect way to be a mother.”

I think we all look around us and see amazing traits in others and wish we were more like them. We usually do this in areas where we're personally lacking. Anytime you compare one of your own weaknesses with someone else’s strength, you are sure to come up short. Don’t do it! Don’t try to mother the perfect way, just do it your way.

“Each mother has different circumstances…….different children.”

No matter how trite the saying, you don’t know how another person feels until you’ve walked a day in their shoes, it’s true. We can’t judge others' mothering capabilities without living in their situation, coming from their background and experiences.

“Some are full-time mothers, some would like to be.”

Choose the situation that works for you and your family. Don’t feel guilty if your situation requires you to work. But, if you would rather not work, do all you can to stay home. The Lord will bless your efforts.

“What matters is a mother loves her children deeply, and prioritizes time for them.”

For most mothers I know, their children are the top priority in their lives. In fact, some of us need to take more time for ourselves. So….

“Find time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well.”

I’ll bet you wondered if this blog was going to have anything to do with writing. Well, there you have it. Spend time developing your talents. I know lots of you out there are amazingly talented writers and it is not selfish to spend time cultivating that talent. If it’s important to you, make the time to do it. You’ll come back refreshed and more capable of loving and serving your family.

My favorite quote from the talk was actually by the author, Anna Quindlen. She says, “Treasure the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.”

As mothers, we have to be task-oriented or nothing ever gets done, but it’s okay to lighten up occasionally and take the time to listen, laugh, and play.

Good luck with your writing this week. Make sure you take some time for yourself.

You can listen to Elder Ballard's entire talk here.