Finding Joy In Motherhood!

Today, I read a sad story about a young women close to my age, who had passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. That's not even the entire story. It's actually quite tragic. She left behind a husband and children. I prayed for this family and it got me reflecting on my own life. I pondered how there are so many young beautiful mothers out there who for some reason, Heavenly Father, chooses to take them home. (It is my thought that it's because they are so wonderful, He needs them for a greater purpose on the other side.) And among these beautiful women, there are so many other women who are completely destructive. They are selfish, self serving and can't quite figure out the true meaning of life, or perhaps they just don't care. I admit that before I had children, the thought of staying home with them kind of made me cringe. (I know, jaws are dropping to the floor cause who doesn't want to be with their kids right?) I just had so many different ideas about what I wanted out of life and they were completely selfish ideas. I wanted to go to grad school, (still do :) I wanted to write books, have a career where I made a significant contribution to my employers. The list could go on. The desires I felt just couldn't be fulfilled staying home with children until I prayed for help. I can honestly say, I love being home with my kids, and I wouldn't wish to be anywhere else. Do those feelings of wanting to accomplish various things in my life go away? No. They are just put on the back burner for now. I am completely content and that's the truth. Getting there wasn't so easy for me. I had to pray to put my selfish desires aside and put my children first. I had to pray to recognize my OWN strengths and stop comparing myself to others. (That was a huge weight off of my shoulders!) I compared myself constantly. I thought I should be a certain way, dress a certain way and accomplish certain things in order to be a successful stay at home mom. Well, that's just ridiculous! There is no mold or pattern to follow. It's finding what works for you and what makes you happy. However, you have to be able to be happy for others. If they have a great life and there are things in their life you could envy, DON'T! Be happy for them and hope for the best for everyone. Positive thinking makes for a positive life, and I have truly gotten to that point in my life. I'm happy for my friends who have wonderful things happen to them. I'm happy with myself and the only expectations I have to live up to are my own and the Lords. What a great feeling! My life is absolutely wonderful and I am so happy to wake up each morning to the sound of my beautiful kids, and I am so grateful I get to be home with them and put all of the selfish thoughts I once had, aside. :)