I have been thinking a lot about the concept of creation lately. It is one of my strengths to create. I love to create beautiful gardens, art projects, organized spaces and printed marketing pieces.
I also have weaknesses that counter the creation.
I have a hard time with the mundane, repetitive parts of life,
especially the parts of taking care of small children... so tedious...
the never ending messes, baths, meals, clothes, school papers (oh the paper!!), sicknesses, etc....
I read a book called "Weakness is Not Sin" by Wendy Ulrich and it has really helped me to see how I can live more joyfully. I will never absolutely LOVE the unimaginative tasks of being a mom and that's ok. I can work on certain daily tasks and move my weaknesses more to neutral. It's ok that I will never be super-good at any of those tasks, but I can get better.
As I use my gift of creation, I know I can bring more joy into my heart, my home and my boy's lives.
I LOVE this talk given by Elder Uchtdorf in General Conference, October of 2008.
Happiness, Your Heritage
DIETER F. UCHTDORF
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Everyone can create.
You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment.
Remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.
Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.
If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them.
The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.
What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.
The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.”
Remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.
Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.
If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them.
The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.
What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.
The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.”
As I recall, being a Mother with the mundane everyday tasks at home was a challenge for me also. But, I always made time to play the piano and do some artwork. It's important to create something you enjoy even when you have a little time for yourself. I feel with your example in creating, the boys will certainly follow your footsteps. Each day offers you opportunity to grow and progress in creating the beauty that is within you. I know you have done this since you were a little child. (:
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