Mothers

I've spent the last two days at an American Mother's convention in Salt Lake City with my mom. American Mother's is an interfaith, nonpolitical, organization that recognizes families as the essential building blocks of society and promotes motherhood.  My mom's been a part of the organization since we moved back from Japan in 2001 and last year represented New Hampshire as the "Mother of the Year." I have a blog with my little sisters - and instead of writing something brief about the convention - I'll just share what I wrote there: 

my mother :)

We have an incredible mother. I'm glad you guys let me steal her away for the week. She came at a time when I needed her most. I've always known Mom was wonderful - but as I get older I realize what an understatement that is. Not only has she done a wonderful job in our home, but she fights to make homes better across this country. This weekend was so great - her memorial breakfast she hosted on Saturday morning was flawless and everyone was talking about what an eloquent speaker she is :) After an afternoon of workshops we got to put on floor length gowns for the gala (I sat by aunt Melanie because Mom was sitting at the head table with the other national board members). Sometime we'll all have to go together. :)

Families are so important - they are they key to society while on this earth, and the building blocks of eternity in the hereafter. I marvel that God could organize this world in any way to bring about the salvation of His children and that perfect being decided on families. In a workshop on strengthening relationships we learned that the goal of relationships is to have 

1 + 1 = 4

and yes Maddie, that math doesn't work :) But, the beautiful thing is that in relationships it can. And it isn't because one person becomes a lot better or because the other person does something miraculous ..because regardless 1 is always going to just be 1 and the other person is always going to just be 1. So where do you get the 4? The difference is what is between the people. In relationships it is always what is going on between the people. For example, you exist, God exists, but if there is nothing on on between the two of you what does it matter? Its what between that makes the difference in marriages, in the relationships between parents and children, in friendships, between siblings....

I feel so lucky to be a part of our family - and after this weekend I am so excited to have my own family. There is nothing more important we can do than to build strong families. Sherri Dew told a story about a woman who was asked by a prominent business at a political dinner what she did - she confessed she felt rather embarrassed when she told him I take care of our four children - Sister Dew suggested the next time that comes up she respond "I am nurturing four children along the path of salvation - what about you?"I am grateful for an education - and I am grateful for all the opportunities I have in life to do so many different things, but I wonder why, even for a moment, I thought any of them would compare in joy, or be more important, than starting, raising, and strengthening a family. 

A poem shared at the conference written by Mother Theresa that I love:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

I hope you guys are having a great spring break - and that as we continue to grow up we can remember what its all really about anyway. 

Love you lots,

Lizzie