Gratitude

I was planning on writing a completely different post today… more along the lines of how exhausted I am from my busy babies and crazy big kids.  How tired I am of breaking of fights, picking up toys and making food no one eats.  Motherhood is sure a thankless job, isn’t it?  Despite the long week, my heart is full of gratitude.  

I’ve been praying for a lifeline this week.  For understanding.  For patience.  I’ve been praying for a lot of things but have just felt a little lost.  A little forgotten.  Today at church I had a tender mercy and a prayer was answered.  A sweet little old lady walked up to the pulpit and started her story by sharing how she had five kids in four years with the last two being twins.  She talked about how hard her life was, how overwhelmed she was and it was as if she were speaking directly to me.  She then teared up and read this scripture: “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength…” (Mosiah 4:27)

I immediately felt this weight lift off my shoulders and I could feel my Savior wrapping his arms around me.  I know that I have not been forgotten.  I know that God hears my prayers.  And instead of feeling sorry for myself, for the chaos I feel I’ve been engulfed in, I knew I needed to start showing more gratitude for the things I have been blessed with.  

An amazing husband who will get me Swig every single night just to see a smile on my face. Who will get dinner for the kids, bathe them all and put them all to sleep so I can catch up on my life.  For my 4 beautiful and healthy children who despite their intense tantrums and power struggles are incredibly sweet and kind.  They’ve given me a chance to serve, to learn real patience and love.  To quote one of my very favorite primary songs, “God gave us families to help us become what he wants us to be, this is how he shows his love for the family is of God”.

And while things sometimes feel like they’re unravelling around me, I know that I’ve been blessed with this family to help teach me the hard things.  To help me learn patience, to test my strength, to stretch my mind and understanding.  And it’s amazing how when your perspective shifts and your attitude changes, your ability to tackle the world becomes much easier.  Because you realize that you aren’t alone.  And that God has placed numerous people in your path to help cheer you on to the finish line.  You guys are some of those people, and I’m very grateful for your friendship.

I guess all I want to say is that if you’re feeling like you’re engulfed in the thick of it — do not despair.  The Lord hears your silent prayers, He knows your heart and there is a reason for the chaos.  I love you and I am cheering you.



Diaper Bag: c/o Fawn Designs (literally worth it’s weight in gold)

Necklace: c/o Fashion Nest

Blankets: c/o Ruthie and Sage 

“Those who are filled with the love of Christ do not seek to force others to do better; they inspire others to do better, indeed inspire them to the pursuit of God. We need to extend the hand of fellowship. We need to be kinder, more gentle, more forgiving, and slower to anger. We need to love one another with the pure love of Christ. May this be our course and our desire.” –President Howard W. Hunter

 

Abby Smith

Leave A Comment
Join the Conversation

6 thoughts on “Gratitude

  1. You’re not alone momma! I also have 4 (all girls! 8, 6, and twins 20 months). God will never give us more than we can handle.

  2. I am grateful for your example Abby. Thank you for sticking to what you believe in and not letting the world drown it out. This was such a great post! What a great reminder to be grateful!

  3. Yes! It’s sometimes hard to look at the hard work of parenting really little ones with gratitude. I’m actually pregnant with twin boys and will have 5 under 5 too. I was going to email you and ask FOR ALL THE TIPS. đŸ˜‰ Anyway, you’re doing a great job!

  4. Thank you for this post, I really need to hear this! Sometimes I get so wrapped up in all the busyness of life, all of the difficulties I am facing, and I forget to notice the positives too! There is so much to love in life, so much to be thankful for but sometimes I need to be reminded of this.

    Hope your family has a wonderful easter time!xx

  5. Galatians 6:9 has stood out to me this week and thought you might need to hear this one too.

    “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

    Happy Easter week!!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] https://how2wearit.com

  6. The message, and help, is always there if we are willing to listen. I love it when things like this happen. My sister had a very rough time years ago, and I added to our prayer list when things were especially difficult. The situation always turned around <3 You have a gorgeous family.

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.