Inspiration.

{This 10 week class just ended this last Thursday, but I thought I'd share some of the insights I gained during that time, for anyone who is interested :)}

A few weeks ago my stake started a class taught by Virginia Pearce (Gordon B. Hinckley's daughter) who is in our ward and Bonnie Parkin (Former General Relief Society President).  They are teaching from the book Daughters in My Kingdom.  The class goes for 10 weeks and we are in our fourth week.  

During this cold winter, I look forward to every Thursday, so I can go be part of the discussions and teachings from these amazing women.  I need to be uplifted.  I think we all do, all the time.  

I look back to my BYU-Idaho days as the peak of my spirituality.  I almost see my time there as a mission.  I was so spiritually nourished there.  We were taught at the feet of apostles and prophets.  I will never forget the privilege I had to have those experiences.  It was during those times, that my testimony was strengthened beyond measure.  I realize how easy it was, I could devote all of my time to myself.  The focus of my life, was ME.  I'm grateful I had that time, I cherish it.  

I can find all sorts of excuses now as to why my spirituality is not the same as it was then, and I'm sure some of them are valid ones...I find it so interesting that the life that I always dreamed of (what I have now) has taken a toll on my spiritual well-being...it is a constant internal battle I fight, against the physical and emotional exhaustion that come with being a mother.  

This class is an answer to my prayers and the much needed spiritual boost I have been needing in my life as a young mother and Scott and I trying to build a good future for our family.  Since this class started,  I have been filled with so many thoughts and insights into my life.  There are times when the thoughts (personal revelation) just come, while I blow dry my hair, washing dishes or vacuuming.  Other times, I am inspired by a talk I listen to, or reading the assignment for next week or even a newspaper article.  I become filled with thoughts and solutions as to how to make a better life for me and my family.  Sister Pearce mentioned one thing last week that really hit home and made me reflect on the way that I am.  She said that as women we love to complain, but what does complaining accomplish if we don't find solutions to our complaints? 

I was talking to a good friend of mine about the difficulties residency (and life) bring to marriage, when a husband works 15 hour days/6 days a week, how do you nourish your relationship properly? It can be tricky but not impossible. It is not a question of not loving each other, but the reality is that when exhaustion reigns your physical and emotional being, no one is at their best.  The one day off a week is usually spent with the children as our focus...my good and wise friend suggested that the best thing parents can do for their children is to focus on each other and nurture their adult relationship with each other.
The marriage comes first, everything else follows naturally. Common sense, you say? True.

I was browsing through the New York Times the other day, when THIS article caught my eye.  It takes A LOT of work to have 'that loving feeling' for one another when he has worked his tail off since 5 in the morning and you have been dealing with children's needs all day long and it is 10pm and you and the Mr. are completely and utterly exhausted and your house looks like a tornado came and the dishes are waiting for you in the sink...and then there is this need to nurture your love but you are physically and emotionally incapable of giving each other proper nurturing.  This article gives such good and practical suggestions, one as simple as asking yourself, 'what can I do for five minutes to make my spouse's life better?'  That's all it takes to show love and concern for each other.  We don't have to have an elaborate date and by elaborate I mean expensive (because let's be honest, $20 for dinner, $20 to a movie, $20 to a babysitter and your date turns into a $60 date).

I think I can give 5 minutes everyday and even if we can't have an elaborate date,
we at least feel like we care for each other.

I was reading our assignment for this week and this quote from the Prophet Joseph touched me to tears:

"Let this society [the Relief Society] teach how to act towards husbands, to treat them with mildness and affection. When a man is borne with trouble-when he is perplexed, if he can meet a smile, not an argument-if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings.  When the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace...When you go home never give a cross word, but let kindness, charity and love, crown your works."

As I read this, I was once again reminded that God knows me personally and He is involved in the details of my life.  I feel gratitude in my heart that He takes the time to soothe my anxious heart and ready to complain attitude.  

Satisfying relationships take effort, but the rewards are worth it! 

Today, Scott made me the best quesadilla I have ever had in my whole life!
He took the time to do something for me, and that meant the world and more than anything it made his love tangible and not something that we just say to each other.

It's true when they say, that the little things make all the difference!