“The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ” - Elder David A. Bednar

Friday, May 20, 2011

Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words

My husband is currently finishing his thesis - so most of the child care and house work falls in my lap. We're also living with my in-laws while we buy our first home - and to help out I cook 3 nights a week and clean.

One night I felt very overworked and under-appreciated. I'd been cleaning/organizing all day while caring for my (demanding) children.

While making dinner with my fussy 3 month old on my hip the utter exhaustion that only a sleep deprived mom of young children knows hit me and I was spent - emotionally and physically.

I had made a resolution to not complain anymore about anything. Complaining doesn't help. So I was keeping my mouth shut and wishing someone would offer a hand or notice my hard work or something!

While standing at the stove, in walked my mother-in-law, who as a kindergarten teacher that had just taken her students to the zoo in the rain, had also had a very long day. She put her arm around me and whispered "Do you know you're worth your weight in gold?" and gave me a little squeeze.

Wow. Just a few simple words and everything changed. My attitude improved, my exhaustion dissipated, and I felt loved and appreciated - by both my mother-in-law and a loving Heavenly Father who knew exactly what I needed to hear and sent someone to say it.

I was left alone in the kitchen to finish dinner, my heart was full, and my eyes wet.

Something so simple made a huge impact.

story submitted by
Barbara S.
Kaysville, Utah

3 comments:

  1. I just posted a similar post on my blog. It's amazing how just a few encouraging words can really make someone's day. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. so important to be appreciated for what we do and who we are ~ also give yourself a 'pat on the back' for all you are doing ~ need to feel it within yourself ~ hugs to you and your family ~ Soon you will have your own house and may miss the company that you have now at times ~ ^_^ ~ Stopping by from Tickle Me Tuesday blog hop ~ thanks for being 'You" ~

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