I have been asked these questions a handful of times, and my answer is usually, well, No.
No, you can't prepare, it is impossible. I felt very unprepared. I didn't know how to prepared.
However, as I was talking to my husband last night I told him that I truly loved Rae and that I was really starting to enjoy motherhood.
Why?
I had gained a testimony of it...of Motherhood! I know that Motherhood is one of the most important roles or callings you can acquire in this life and perform to your fullest!
"It’s the highest, holiest service assumed by humankind. It’s the definition of selfless service. It’s both a daunting responsibility and a glorious opportunity. The divine role of motherhood is a gift from God, and key to His plan of happiness for all His children."
-motherhood.mormon.org
Sometimes, I forget this.
Sometimes I get so caught up in what the world portrays as the "best things in life" or what it means to be successful and accomplished. I throw pity parties, become a pooper of parties, and any other type of negative partying.
BUT I have to bring myself back to looking at the eternal perspective. I am raising a child, and eventually childREN (hopefully not in the too near distant future), which will turn into generations. I am raising the future. Not only for them to be a good influence in the world, but for them to be disciples of Christ. As her mother, I am the BEST person for the job.
Don't think this awesome, calling in life applies to you? (#actuallysohard, #nopressure, #canbeveryoverwhelimingsometimesbutwouldnttradeforanything)
So many of us are mothers...
"The divine role of motherhood is exhibited in all women, whether they’ve born children or not. It is important to remember that the call to nurture is not limited to our own flesh and blood. Whether it’s an aunt, a teacher, a friend, or a community leader, we are all deeply indebted to the moral, steadying influence of good women in our lives."
-motherhood.mormon.org
Securing a desire and knowledge about doing anything in life motivates you to do that one... "thing". We don't eat heathly food unless we know it is good for our bodies and won't make us fat! (that's why I eat healthy food, anyway) We can't expect to just spring into motherhood full force unless we know for ourselves that it is one of the highest callings in this life.
I have seen a lot of mothers struggle, myself included. A lot of them find the strength to keep going because they know that what they are doing is one of the best things they will ever do! Attaining that affirmation makes it easier, and worth it.
So, the next time a pregnant women asks me how they can prepare for motherhood, I'm going to encourage them to gain a testimony of it! After that, everything just seems to fall into place.
