Sunday, October 4, 2009

the ideal

75.365  10.4.09

The other evening my babies to needed some soothing at bedtime. A song that I sang in Primary years ago came to mind:

I see my mother kneeling
With the family each day
I hear the words she whispers
As she bows her head to pray
Her plea to the Father
Quiets all my fears
And I am thankful
Love is spoken here.

The song is beautiful; the lyrics and the simple tune are so pure. Music invites peace and touches us in a way that is deeper than words alone. As I was singing, tears sprang to my eyes. Not only because of the peace that came knowing that I am doing the right thing at the right time, but also because I could see my shortcomings as a mother.

The song was teaching me an ideal. Not every child who sings this song has this ideal condition in their home. Most, I would venture to say, don’t have anything close. But as I sang it as a child I felt love for my mother. I remembered prayers that she quietly spoke when peace would ensue. I recognized the love she has for me. As I sang this song as a mother, I recognized the love I feel for my children and the hopes I have for them. But I also was reminded of my responsibility as their caregiver to speak lovingly, to plead for their well being, to bear my heart during prayers with the family so that they can witness my beliefs and my love.

The ideal is not to make us feel guilt ridden, but to inspire us to raise our standards. Not one of us is perfect. Maybe we have a problem with raising our voice and yelling when we lose our temper. *raising my hand* Perhaps some of us are unorganized and have a hard time scheduling in things like family scripture study or setting goals and following through. *raising my hand* Maybe there are some people who loose important papers and library books. *trying to hide my raised hand*

I love reading blogs that inspire me to be a happier mother. I love it when I see a photo that shows a perfect moment. I adore being moved to action when I see a beautiful marriage. I think it’s divine to hear a song that helps me see the ideal behavior of a woman. It helps me to see where I can improve and motivates me to get up when I fall.

I think The Ideal is an important aspect of inspiration. I feel that focusing on the positive and knowing that we can get there is an important piece of motivation. Because I believe we can. I believe that we can be who we want to be. I believe our potential is bigger and higher and greater than we can fathom. Individually and collectively.

8 comments:

Dallas and Krista said...

I identify with this 100% I have felt those exact same things singing Primary songs- probably other ones that mom sang to us too- and have found myself crying in their simplicity and truth. You captured all of those feelings so perfectly. You are truly one and the same with my soul, dear sister.

Dallas and Krista said...

PS I was at Brookes looking through pictures today and we found pics of when I dyed my hair brown and... I looked just like you :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing! I love that song and it is one that I love to sing to my own kiddies. PS I love viewing all your beautiful pictures, you are so talented!!!

Emma Jo said...

A primary favorite, for sure. I was very happy to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing it. So beautiful.

momofbeegees said...

What a coincidence...just this morning I made a promise to myself that I am going to try to make my home a more peaceful place! It's hard! But I am working on it :) Thanks for your inspiring blog!!

Unknown said...

Oh how i miss the Soucy's!

the wrath of khandrea said...

i appreciate the blogs that are inspiring, which is why i read yours. but i have to have regular exposure to stories of frustration, confusion, and even desperation so that i know i'm not in this alone.

OnCallMom said...

Just had to de-lurk to say, well said, Brittany. Reading your blog does exactly that for me! :) Kate (Wilson) Hare