To the moms

I remember growing up that Mother's Day wasn't always the most glorious day.  I remember wondering why moms didn't just relish having a day all of their own.  Now that I'm a mom, I understand that feeling a little better.

On Mother's Day, when all you hear is how wonderful moms are and how much they do, it's hard to not feel uncomfortable and guilty about the things you're NOT doing to make your kids' lives better.  You regret things you did that prevented you from being that Mom that's put on a pedestal.  You feel guilty for the time you took out for yourself; for the times you could have done more; and for the moments that were lost.  It's easy to get sucked into that trap.  That blasted mom guilt trap.  It's easy to feel guilty and to beat ourselves up, but it's a lot harder to congratulate and celebrate all the things we're doing right. Because you know what?  All we can do is our best.  I love, love, love these words from President Uchtdorf:

"May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. But don’t reach beyond your capacity. Don’t set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. Don’t feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. Don’t compare yourself with others. Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest. Have faith and confidence in Him, and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones."  
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Influence of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Sep 2009, 4–9

Doesn't that just make you feel better about yourself?  If you have a few minutes, go read the whole talk. It's definitely worth reading. 

Anyway, on this Mother's Day weekend I want the moms in my life to know how much I love them.  They are incredible women whom I look up to and admire.  I have never met more hard-working, loving, caring, and considerate women.  They are the best of women, mothers, and grandmothers.  My kids love coming to Grandma's house because they know they'll get spoiled, loved, and cherished beyond compare.  I am so lucky to have been blessed by their righteous influence and hope to be able to emulate the way they love, uplift, and inspire.  Happy Mother's Day!