On this day of all days it is wholly appropriate to ponder which scriptural passage in the Standard Works best encapsulates the glories of motherhood. Some may say that beyond the traditional mothers of Helaman stories, the brave queen Esther account (which is really more about courage than womanhood), and the sheer humanity of Sariah, wife of the visionary Lehi and challenged mother of both wayward and obedient sons, there isn't much left to choose from. Certainly our first mother Eve sets an example of compassion for all mothers after her.
However, the Mormon Third Eye is dedicated to going beyond the quaint traditional and up towards the truly inspirational in how it strives to view the complexities and totality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we accept the premise that the essence of Motherhood is the intimate and committed path moms walk with their children in bringing them unto Christ, then another passage of scripture, usually quoted in the context of the blessings of missionary service, should be considered:
“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God... And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (D&C 18:10, 15-16)
Moms are the world's best missionaries. They bring more souls unto Christ than all formally ordained missionaries combined. It is essential for the mothers of Zion in Zion to understand that every nose wiped, diaper changed, meal made, drive to practice, family night lesson taught, and late-night lullaby sung in the name of nurturing love brings the soul of a child closer to Christ. When young ones cry in church, moms cry repentance as they model for them how to treat what should be sacred. Every act of service intended to teach children the difference between right and wrong is a cry for repentance that brings them prepared for baptism when they turn eight years old.
Hence, Moms of the world have a lot of joy waiting for them in the kingdom of our Father. Maybe fathers of the world who hang on to their wives long enough will get to enjoy some leftover “joy crumbs.” I can't wait.
You are kinda wierd. Dude.
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