Counsel

My older sister called me this morning, and we started talking about Young Women and their organization in our church.  I am currently serving as the First Counselor in our ward, which is over the Mia Maids (14-15 year old girls).  My sister has three girls in young women's right now, so we usually have a lot to talk about.  Well, yesterday, in my niece's class, her leader was asking them what they should tell their friend who wants to get married and have a family.  She wants to put her college education on hold and begin her family.  My niece said she should pray about her decision and follow what was right for her.  The leader, however, brushed over her comment and quickly moved on to the fact that she should not marry and begin her family right away.  She told these girls that they should do all they can to finish their education and nothing is more important than that.  I couldn't believe it.  I quickly found this quote from President Ezra Taft Benson and posted it to my niece's Facebook page.  He said, 
"Young mothers and fathers, with all my heart I counsel you not to postpone having your children, being co-creators with our Father in Heaven. Do not use the reasoning of the world, such as, “We will wait until we can better afford having children, until we are more secure, until John has completed his education, until he has a better paying job, until we have a larger home, until we have obtained a few of the material conveniences,” and on and on. This is the reasoning of the world and is not pleasing in the sight of God. Mothers who enjoy good health, have your children and have them early. And,husbands, always be considerate of your wives in the bearing of children. Do not curtail the number of children for personal or selfish reasons. Material possessions, social convenience, and so-called professional advantages are nothing compared to a righteous posterity. In the eternal perspective, children--not possessions, not position, not prestige--are our greatest jewels."  (emphasis added, quoted from an annual Fireside for Parents, February 22, 1987) 
  
I don't think it can get much clearer than that.  Family is central to God's plan of salvation for His children.  I know I have learned so much as a mother, and I'm not saying that formal education is not important.  I am currently taking two college courses.  I should be finished with my bachelor's degree in about a year and a half.  This is a wonderful goal and one I am very proud of.  But nothing compares to the joy I have in my life that comes from my five children. 

Motherhood

I came across a quote today that spoke to me as if it had been written from my own heart.  Elder Neil L. Anderson used it in the October 2011 General Conference.  He was quoting a blog called desiringgod.org.  I am looking forward to perusing that blog in the near future.  The title that this particular quote came from is called, "Motherhood Is a Calling (And Where Children Rank)."  If you'd like to read the whole blog post, click here.  I loved the whole thing, but this is the part that really touched me:

Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.