Motherhood Is An Education

I recently heard a talk that gave me cause for reflection on the role of Motherhood.

I am consistently amazed when I pause to think about all that I have learned in just eight years of being a mother.  It is an inspiring calling that requires endless diligence, energy, enthusiasm, compassion, organization, humility, and patience.  Did I mention patience?  

"Motherhood is the ideal opportunity for life long learning.  Mother and child learn and grow together at a remarkable pace.  It is exponential, not linear."

Here is the beginning of an endless list of what you learn:

    

     Child Development

     Nutrition

     Health Care

     Physiology

     Psychology

     Nursing with medical research and care

     Educational Tutoring in:

     Math, Science, Geography, Literature, English & Foreign Languages

     Development of Talents such as:

    Music, Athletics, Dance, Public Speaking

"A mothers opportunity for life long learning is universal.  Don't ever sell yourself short as a woman or a mother." 

"It never ceases to amaze me that a woman is in a form of servitude, and does not allow her to develop her talents.  Nothing, absolutely nothing could be further from the truth."

I have always been grateful for what I learned in college.  It gives me peace of mind that I would be prepared to go out into the work field should our family circumstances require it.  It also allows me to serve others in ways that not everyone can, through Graphic Design and Art.   I am also more confident to home school my children because of it.  However, I have come to realize that I have done far more learning in my role as a mother than I ever did in a University. 

Motherhood is noble if we treat it as such.  It can be as little or as much as we make it to be.  HAPPY MOTHERS DAY (soon) to my Mom.  She set the example of what a "stay at home mom" can be.  It took sacrifice, determination, and a lot of prayer. Thanks Mom.  

This is my favorite picture of Motherhood.  When Corneila is asked where her jewels are, she points to her children.  They are her prized possession.

BE INSPIRED:  This is the talk from Elder Robert D. Hales called "The Journey of Lifelong Learning" for BYU Education Week.  August 19, 2008.       http://byubms.byu.edu/devo/2008/08/devo08192008.mp4