Before the moment is gone...

Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”(Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

This year my children will be 8 and 4. I know I will have moments on a blanket or beach towel. I will probably photograph them and maybe even blog about them. As much as I think I won't forget each funny or poignant thing they say or do, I will. Sometimes within only a day or two. This scares me. I love this time as a young mom but some days are hard and long. Some days are boring and long. But, I know these days will soon be gone and this beautiful season of young motherhood, a distant experience. Anyone can be a mother, but to be a good mother is a different story all together. Once again, I recommit myself to being a good mother.

I am recommitting to spend more time playing with my children. To spend more time reading to my children. To spend more time teaching my children. To spend less time telling them "we'll do that later" or "can you wait until tomorrow." To spend more time cuddling with my children. To spend more time enjoying my children.

As M. Russell Ballard reminded us in our recent general conference:
"recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."

For now, I hope to focus on these moments of joy and satisfaction before the moment is gone.