I think I know why I didn't feel much when I turned thirty. I didn't have any expectations of where I'd be at that point in my life. I didn't have any major goals to accomplish by 30. I didn't yearn for tons of money. I didn't plan to travel here or there or do this or that by 30. When I look back on my life, it's interesting because I had very specific and concrete goals through middle school, high school, and college, but after college, I didn't have any major goal in mind.
Except one.
That one major goal is the driving force of how I live my life now. It is so important to me and I sacrifice for it. I'm sure my goal is not any different than other mother out there, but I will share it anyway, because this is my dream.
My major goal in life right now is to create a beauitful, safe, loving, happy environment for my boys to grow up in. The world is scary and kids are mean. No matter who you are, it is hard to grow up in this world, but I'm going to be bold and say it is even harder for Mormon kids. Our expectations are high and our standards are sometimes hard to keep. Mike and I want to raise boys that don't sware, don't talk bad about others, don't make fun of others, don't say dirty jokes, don't watch dirty movies, don't drink alcohol, don't even try smoking or drugs, don't play sports on Sundays, don't have sex until they are married, don't look at pornography, don't masterbate, and don't give in to peer pressure. Mike and I want to raise boys that are kind, caring, hard working, and are unselfish. We want them to have self control and confidence and humility and patience and a testimony of the gospel. We want to raise strong and honorable men. And looking at that list I just wrote, it seems near impossible to do considering the middle school, high school, college, and even elementary environment that exists today. But that is my goal and that is my dream. They will fall short. They will make many mistakes along the way, but they can always repent and do better next time, and they will know that. And no matter what they do or who they are, Mike and I will love them and they will know that they are safe in our home. As my boys strive to do their very best and keep the standards that I have just listed, they will run into many struggles. They will be made fun of for their beliefs. They will be tempted to do what so many of the people around them are doing - have sex, disrespect a woman's body, sware and curse, lose their temper, hurt others if they are angry, play sports on Sundays. They will not be popular for sticking to what they believe and that will be very hard. VERY HARD. But they will have a home, a safe haven to come to at the end of the day. They will have a mother and father who loves them and supports them, no matter what. They will be taken care of and pampered and celebrated. They can feel peace and and comfort, or in other words, the Holy Ghost in our home. They will be strengenthed and rejuvenated to face the challenges of the next day and they will be able to get through it.
I will sacrifice anything to make this happen, but mostly it is not a sacrifice. It is a joy and a pleasure to create this loving environment. I am deeply motivated to accomplish this goal. It means everything to me.
7 comments:
What a post. Can I cut and paste it to mine? I LOVED everything you said. You seem to be doing a GREAT job so far. Also, loved your 30 post too!
Our stake R.S. president made a similar statement at one of our last meetings. She said that we should create a home environment where our families can "come to rest their souls." What a wonderful aspiration!
That seriously made me cry! How beautifully well written!! you are so beautiful Audra in every way!! I know that you are doing a great job and your boys will be some awesome, respectable young men because of how you raise them and by your example and Mikes!! You guys are awesome. However, you are right-- they will fall short, as ALL of us do and thank goodness for Repentance. :) Beautiful Audra!!
right on sister! whenever I feel that raising boys of that caliber is impossible - I think of 3 words, "Mormon and Moroni". It can be done.
You know what you are doing! It is the most important job in the world. We are behind you 100%. And so is Heavenly Father.
It surely takes a strong will, and a strong faith to be as active of a mother as kids need these days. A vigilance to instil in your children a solid sense of right and wrong; self awareness and an understanding that all of our actions have consequences. Evem if you don't see them right away. I find it somewhat sad that the economy as it is almost requires a double income, and that people find it harder and harder to see being a full time parent as a life worth having. Family means "I" becomes "We".
The best of luck.
I'm copying and pasting that whole thing to put it in my journal. Inspiring goal.
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