Patience in the little things

I always thought that I was a patient person- until I had a child and although he is for the most part the sweetest little angel there are times that really test me. It seems like the big things- like when he's sick throwing up I handle just fine but it's those little 'toddler' moments that catch me off guard.

Today the little man dumped a nearly full carton of eggs on the floor- Before I knew it I found myself shouting 'NO'. The poor little guy- his lips trembled and he started to cry as he ran to the other side of the kitchen. I immediatly realized what I had done and forgetting the eggs went to appologize to him as best as possible- Such a sweet little one he hugged me right back walked over to the mess with me and stood pointing at them saying Uh Oh with a concerned look on his face while I cleaned up the mess.

It made me think- how many times have I dumped the egg carton- and my heavenly father was patient we me? He never shouted or scolded but was always there to gently correct and help me clean up my mess.

" And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, … if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit. … And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience … ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, … and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst. … Ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience” (Alma 32:37, 42–43).

The Home Is a Refuge

I got this lovely "Gem" in my inbox today and just had to share! You can sign up to get your own "Family Gems" HERE (e-mail or RSS feed)

"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72). Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt. "Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one's best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it's the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present."

Thomas S. Monson, "Dedication Day," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 64-65