Living Up To My Privileges

I am blessed to live in the last days when the fulness of the gospel has been restored, there is a prophet on the earth, and my home is blessed by priesthood power. I am additionally blessed to be able to stay at home, serve in callings at church, and have the time to visit on the phone and in person with my married children. I have the opportunity to read my scriptures everyday and search ways to teach those children still living at home, the things I know to be true. And I am doubly blessed to have a husband who honors his priesthood and has a job that allows him to spend time with me during a good part of the day. For I know that the more time spent on a relationship, the stronger that relationship gets.

A big deal is made of the mothers in the Book of Mormon story about the stripling warriors; how the sons of Helaman were so faithful because they trusted in their mothers faith. I submit that not only were their mothers faithful and taught their children the gospel, but that additionally, their fathers played the foundational part in their sons testimonies. For, even though women may be a driving force in passing to their children the truths of the gospel, the priesthood, which surely filled their homes, was honored by the men of that time. Not enough is implied or said about those fathers who so valiantly provided examples to their children through their service to their fellowmen. No doubt strong families prevailed in their villages and camps, and the expectation was nothing short of obedience with exactness.

Because I have been given much, I too, must give. Because of the blessings that continue to pour into my life, I too, must return and offer what I have. I must fight the temptation to sit back and relax and enjoy "my stuff." It has been my privilege to share what has been given to me, and it is still my privilege to look for empty spots that I can fill in whatever ways I can, in service to Him from whom all blessings descend.

During this season when mothers and fathers are honored for their examples to family and friends, I count my blessings to be able to have borne children in this life. And not just borne children, borne many children. It is a blessing to me to experience the ups and downs, the happiness and sadness, the little lessons of life that one doesn't happen upon unless there are many children surrounding parents. I count my life's experience so far, as above average. Rich blessings surround me, which makes me want to return and give back, and live up to my privileges and potential.