Presidents of the Church

I've been so blessed to read the Church's curriculum, "Teachings of the Presidents of the Church."  They have lifted and taught me over the years.  This year we are studying the life and words of Ezra Taft Benson.  Just reading about his life has been inspirational.

I am really struggling with being a mom.  It is truly the hardest job.  Okay, what other job do I know!  I lose my hope and patience and charity when I'm disobeyed.  When the kids fight like crazy I'm faced with the same feelings of failure.  I have to remember who they really are: valiant followers of Christ.  I have to help them remember that in kind, sweet, patient, encouraging way.  I have to not just subdue feelings of anger, but annihilate them.  I pray Heavenly Father will forgive me for my impatience and help me raise these young folks.  I pray they will not fail because of me.  But that they will succeed gloriously in spite of me. I pray we can have loving relationships.  Right now I feel like these desires are near impossible.  But I just need to be meek and lowly, teach with kindness (even when they make one bad choice after another), and pray like crazy!

Let's be clear.  I have great kids.  But some of them do not seem to have any desire to learn exact obedience or love for each other.  I understand them messing up sometimes, but I'd like to feel that they at least thought it was important to try.  I don't have a close relationship with some of my children right now.  That makes all the difference.  They don't care to obey me, because I haven't paid the price for their friendship.  I will try harder to swallow my anger and pride and earn their love.  For starters, I'm going to go up and talk to the ones that have been sent to their beds.  I will keep a prayer in my heart.  Wish me luck!