blessing of children

Elijah with his best friend cousin :)

"Children are the very offspring of heavenly parents and they've loaned them to you to see what we can do with them. Because if you can learn how to administer your kingdom in this life with the little ones, you get the privilege to do that forever. You actually have the privilege to rear the children of God. 

Now, can you think of a greater example of trust than that? That a couple of parents are willing to loan you some kids to practice on? And you are to treat those children as if you are God yourself. I can't think of a great example of trust in all the universe. 

Why does the Lord do it this way? [There are] 199 Christlike traits found in the scriptures. Patience, mercy, kindness, love, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, charity, going the extra mile, turning the other cheek, courageous, bold, prayerful, meek, contrite heart, humble.... 

Where do you get a chance to learn all those traits? Where do you have a chance to develop those attributes in your very souls. 

YOUR CHILDREN.

Because children will test you in what? Patience, mercy, kindness, love, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness... 

Two-year-olds test you in what? Patience, mercy, kindness, love, long-suffering.... Teenagers test you in what? Patience, mercy, kindness, love, long-suffering...

Children are given to you to exalt you..."

-Doug Brinley, Marriage Relationship Seminar [emphasis added]

*this quote really puts into perspective everything i struggle with as a mother. it gives me greater understanding and love for motherhood, especially during those days when i want to pull my hair out a little bit... i am so grateful for this opportunity i have to raise Elijah and for the countless lessons he has already taught me in his 3 years of life.every single day he teaches me how to be a better person and to love more fully and deeply. i love him with every part of me and am so happy i get to be his mom forever!

i also want to add that this quote is not to say that the only way to learn Christlike attributes or gain exaltation is through parenthood. i know that having children can be a sensitive topic and i don't mean to imply that if you don't have children then you are not as worthy or something... i know that is not the case at all! this is just a quote that gives one perspective and has helped me when i'm struggling.