“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” D&C 64:33

Dear friends, in the often-overwhelming journey of life, particularly in the sacred realm of motherhood, it’s easy to feel the weight of endless demands. The days stretch long, and sometimes, the nights can feel even longer, filled with worries and responsibilities. We understand the sudden shift to homeschooling, the frantic Googling of long-forgotten math problems – how *are* you supposed to remember multiplying fractions and complex geometry overnight? It’s a testament to your unwavering dedication that you navigate these new and unexpected terrains with grace and grit.

This path, while incredibly rewarding, is undeniably challenging. It’s a constant dance between joy and exhaustion, triumphs and trials. The demands on your time, energy, and mental space are profound, pushing you to new limits daily. But remember the profound wisdom of the scripture: your consistent, often unseen efforts are not just fleeting moments. They are the essential building blocks, meticulously laid, forming the bedrock of something truly magnificent, something far greater than any single task or moment suggests.

Embracing the Beautiful Chaos of Modern Motherhood

We see you, mothers, trying to catch a moment of peace, perhaps even just a quick trip to the bathroom, only to find little voices or tiny hands demanding your attention once more. Your children, those precious gifts, are indeed “all up in your business” every waking moment, a constant presence that fills both your heart and your personal space. The kitchen, meticulously tidied just five minutes ago, seems to magically reassemble itself into a chaotic masterpiece of crumbs and forgotten toys. This ceaseless cycle of cleaning and re-messing is a universal badge of honor for mothers everywhere, a tangible sign of a vibrant, living home.

The feeling of being “stir crazy” is not just an occasional sensation; for many, it’s a persistent hum beneath the surface of daily life, especially when navigating unprecedented times. With partners often working from home, the boundaries between professional and personal life blur, leaving you to juggle an astonishing “500 hats” simultaneously. You are not just a mother; you are a teacher, a chef, a cleaner, a mediator, a nurse, a scheduler, a playmate, and often, an unwitting IT support specialist for everyone’s devices. The mental load alone is enough to exhaust the most resilient among us.

Yet, amidst this beautiful, challenging chaos, a profound truth emerges, a truth worth holding onto:

The Unparalleled Importance of Your Motherhood Journey

Understand this deeply: the children you are raising represent the most significant, impactful work you will ever undertake in this life. Their character, their values, their understanding of the world, and their capacity for love and service are being meticulously shaped by your daily interactions, your patience, your lessons, and your boundless love. This realization calls for an abundance of flexibility and a willingness to truly let go of perfection. Life with children is rarely neat or predictable, and finding joy often means embracing the imperfections, celebrating the unexpected, and allowing for moments of delightful spontaneity.

So, let your hair down and dance like a crazy person in the kitchen until your children are unsure whether to laugh with glee or hide in delightful embarrassment. Grab those paints and brushes and create abstract art that may not resemble a landscape but perfectly captures the unrestrained joy of the moment. Strive to be the mother you’ve always envisioned yourself to be, the one who prioritizes connection over pristine order, laughter over silence. I promise you, that righteous desire, that yearning to be a loving, present, and influential parent, will be answered. And beyond all the daily triumphs and challenges, I give you this great promise: YOU WILL FIND PROFOUND AND ABIDING JOY IN MOTHERHOOD. It is not merely a fleeting happiness, but a deep, soulful fulfillment that transcends the daily grind.

Therefore, “be not weary in well-doing.” Every story read, every scraped knee kissed, every lesson patiently taught, every meal prepared with love – these are the “small things” that contribute to the “great work.” This sacred calling, this profound influence you wield, is what you were born for. You possess an innate strength, an intuitive wisdom, and an unparalleled capacity for love that makes you uniquely suited for this divine role. Embrace it, for your work truly matters.

“You are a generation drenched in destiny.”
A phrase that sends shivers down the spine.

It’s a striking statement that resonates deeply, especially when we reflect on the significant events that have shaped our own lives and those of our children. My own elementary school years were indelibly marked by the devastating Oklahoma City bombing and the captivating, yet unsettling, OJ Simpson trial, events that, even then, spoke to a world grappling with profound issues. Later, in junior high, the tragic news of the Columbine shootings shattered a sense of youthful innocence, revealing the darker complexities of human experience.

But it was in high school that a truly seismic event occurred. I remember buying a bagel before school, hearing whispers of a tower being hit by a plane, and then, in my first-period classroom, watching in disbelief as the second plane struck. September 11th, 2001. That day, and its aftermath, reshaped not just my understanding of the world, but an entire generation’s. It’s a memory that has never faded, a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how deeply global events can impact individual lives.

I’m sure there are countless other pivotal moments that have left their mark on your own journey, events that, in hindsight, seem to have prepared you in some way for the present. Perhaps it was a natural disaster, a national crisis, or a cultural phenomenon that defined a specific period of your youth. These collective experiences often serve as silent teachers, shaping our resilience, our empathy, and our understanding of the human condition. They forge within us a unique perspective, a lens through which we now view the world our children are inheriting. Reflecting on these personal histories helps us connect with the broader narrative of human experience and resilience.

Navigating a World of Unprecedented Destruction and Commotion

Looking back at the year 2020, a mere eight months of that year seemed to compress more destruction and commotion than many of us experienced in our entire childhoods. Our children, a generation already keenly aware of global interconnectedness, witnessed a cascade of profound events: devastating fires sweeping across Australia, the United States, and other regions, followed by invasions of locusts, the alarming appearance of “killer bees,” and the pervasive fear and isolation brought on by a global pandemic. The images of riots, social unrest, acts of violence, and the palpable anger permeating communities, alongside the horrific explosion in Lebanon, left an indelible mark.

In just those eight months, their young minds processed more destruction, uncertainty, and complex social issues than I encountered in my entire eighteen years of growing up. As parents, we were compelled to have discussions far beyond their typical years – conversations about safety in a volatile world, the insidious nature of lies, the grim realities of child sex trafficking, the intricate nuances of politics, the evolving understanding of gender, and the enduring importance of the family unit. These weren’t easy conversations, and they often felt like they were chipping away at the innocence of childhood.

At times, this litany of global challenges can sound utterly overwhelming, and as a mother, my heart often cries out, “You’re robbing them of their childhood! It must end!” There is a primal urge to shield them, to create a protective bubble where they can simply exist in childlike wonder. We yearn for simpler times, for a world where their biggest worries are playground squabbles or homework assignments. Yet, the reality of the world presses in, forcing us to confront these difficult truths and, more importantly, to help our children navigate them with strength and integrity. We may feel a deep sense of lament for the childhoods they are experiencing, but within that lament, there is also a profound recognition of their unique capacity and purpose.

Drenched in Destiny: A Call to Purpose and Preparation

Amidst these overwhelming feelings, a particular quote has been a persistent echo in my mind all week, a powerful anchor in a turbulent sea. I cling to it, not out of naive optimism, but because it offers profound hope, coupled with the realistic understanding that these current challenges are likely just the beginning of a larger narrative. So, I repeat these words, remembering who I am in this grand design, and more importantly, who my children are destined to be. They are not simply observers in these tumultuous times; they are active participants, poised to make a significant impact.

“Whether you realize it or not, you are a generation drenched in destiny. If you are faithful, you will prove to be a part of the winding-up scenes for this world, and as participants, not merely as spectators.” – Neal A. Maxwell

DRENCHED IN DESTINY. These words still send chills through me. They carry an immense weight of meaning and purpose. It is true that these can be terrifying times, filled with uncertainty and fear, but the message here is one of profound reassurance: we, as parents, were prepared for these moments, and so too were our children. This preparation isn’t just about practical skills; it’s a spiritual readiness, an inherent capacity to rise to the unique demands of this era. It suggests that this generation, with all its challenges, has been specifically chosen and equipped for a vital role in shaping the future.

If we pause, listen, and truly open our hearts and minds, we will begin to realize the immense potential that lies within us and our children. We will remember the promises we’ve made, perhaps even before this life, and recognize the incredible capacity we have to fulfill them. This requires us to remain meek, embracing humility and a teachable spirit; to remain true, holding steadfast to our core values and spiritual convictions; and, most crucially, to keep our eyes on Him, seeking divine guidance and strength above all else. By doing so, we not only empower ourselves but also guide our children to understand their own divine potential, preparing them to be the participants they were born to be in this unfolding, destiny-drenched era.