A Few Thoughts

We had Stake Conference this past weekend and I can't seem to get over what an amazing conference it was. Jane was sick, so after Scott came home from the Preisthood session Sunday morning, I went to the general session and he stayed at home with the babies. I don't know if it was because I didn't have any babies to entertain or what, but every talk seemed to be inspired by the Lord himself. I was bathed in the Spirit that morning and soaking up as much as I could.

The first speaker spoke on the love that our Savior and Heavenly Father have for us, which although I know this already, my testimony of Their undying love and patience for me was renewed and strengthened. Our Stake President spoke later and mentioned a quote "Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child". This hit me like a ton of bricks. I try my best at this good mom thing. Some days I even feel like I might be getting it right. I love my babies. I love them so much. I want their lives to be perfect. But that's not the plan... thank goodness. They are going to fall down the stairs, even if I have a gate up 99% of the time. They are going to get a bad grade in school now and then, to remind them to study harder the next time. They might even get their hearts broken once or twice. Through all of this, and more, I will be there for them. But more importantly, their Savior will be there for them; loving them, healing them, and giving them the courage and strength to endure. I can't help but believe and know that it is purely out of love that the Savior prepares us through our trials and experiences for our path back to our Heavenly Father.

At one point during the conference the congregation stood and sang I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus. I have sang that song so many times throughout my life, but this time it was if I was singing it for the first time. Those beautiful words:

I'm trying to be like Jesus;

I'm following in his ways.

I'm trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.

At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,

But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

Love one another as Jesus loves you.

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,

for these are the things that Jesus taught.

I'm trying to love my neighbor,

I'm learning to serve my friends.

I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.

I try to remember the lessons he taught.

Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thought, saying:

Love one another as Jesus loves you.

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,

for these are the things Jesus taught.

For these are the things Jesus taught.

As we all sat down I couldn't help but ask myself if I am truly trying to be like Jesus. When I get impatient with my beautiful little ones, is that being like my Savior? When I let my trials and own imperfections get the best of me, am I being Christ-like? Or am I doing what I can to serve my neighbor and lighten the load of my husband?

It is so simple. As I try to be like Jesus, as I try to "be loving in deed and in thought" I will not only feel the love of my Savior, but I will be able to share the love of my Savior with my family and friends. I want to be like my Savior, in every way.