“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” D&C 64:33

Dear friends, fellow mothers, and caregivers, I see you. I truly do. In these extraordinary times, the days often feel interminably long, stretching into nights that can seem even more endless. The weight of new responsibilities, the constant demands, and the sheer unpredictability of life can be overwhelming. Suddenly, many of us have found ourselves thrust into the role of full-time educator, frantically Googling math problems because, let’s be honest, who truly remembers how to multiply fractions or the intricacies of geometry from high school?

I understand the feeling of having little ones (or not-so-little ones) constantly “in your business,” following your every move, making a simple trip to the bathroom feel like a clandestine operation. I know the frustration of tidying the kitchen, only for it to be utterly transformed into a chaotic mess just five seconds later. The stir-craziness is real, the relentless cycle of demands relentless. And for many, the added complexity of a spouse working from home while you attempt to juggle hundreds of hats – chef, teacher, cleaner, comforter, confidante, wife – can push even the most patient among us to our limits. The emotional and mental load of modern motherhood has never felt heavier, especially when the lines between home, work, and school blur into one continuous, demanding space.

Yet, amidst this whirlwind of responsibilities and daily challenges, this constant ebb and flow of giving and receiving, I also know this profound truth:

Your Most Important Work: Nurturing a Generation with Love and Purpose

The children in your care are, without a doubt, the most significant and rewarding work you will ever undertake. This journey of motherhood, with all its beautiful imperfections and demanding moments, is laying the very foundation of their lives, shaping the future in ways we can barely comprehend. Every moment, every lesson, every act of comfort and discipline contributes to their development and character. So, in this intricate dance of daily life, where routines are constantly disrupted and expectations often shift, I urge you to embrace flexibility. Learn to let go of perfectionism and the unattainable ideal of a perfectly ordered life. Instead, allow joy to bloom in unexpected places. Dance like a wild, uninhibited person in the kitchen until your kids are unsure whether to laugh hysterically or hide in delightful embarrassment. Get out the paints, even if your landscape masterpiece ends up looking more like abstract art than a scenic vista. Allow yourself the grace to simply be, to connect, and to find beauty in the messy reality of family life.

Strive to be the mom you’ve always envisioned yourself to be, and with unwavering faith and consistent effort, you will become her. I promise you that a righteous desire to find profound fulfillment and lasting joy in motherhood will be answered. This isn’t to say every day will be perfect or easy, but rather that the overarching narrative of this sacred calling will be one of deep, abiding happiness and purpose. This joy often emerges from the deepest challenges, from moments of overcoming, and from the quiet realization of the immense impact you are having on precious lives. It’s in the small victories, the shared laughter, and the unconditional love that binds a family together.

Therefore, be not weary in well-doing. This demanding, yet divinely appointed role, is precisely what you were born for. It is within these seemingly small, daily acts of love and sacrifice that truly great things are forged, shaping souls and destinies. Your resilience, your patience, and your unwavering commitment are not just impacting your children; they are creating a ripple effect that will extend far beyond your immediate family, influencing communities and future generations.

“You are a generation drenched in destiny.”

Embracing Our Unique Purpose in Unprecedented Times

That powerful declaration—”You are a generation drenched in destiny”—sends shivers down my spine, evoking a profound sense of recognition for the era we inhabit and the children we are raising. It speaks to a unique calling, a preparation for significant events. As I reflect on my own upbringing, I recall how certain events became indelibly burned into my memory, marking the passage of time and shaping my understanding of the world. In elementary school, I clearly remember the sorrowful losses of the Oklahoma City bombing and the captivating, yet unsettling, OJ Simpson trial dominating the news cycles. These were significant, singular events that punctuated my childhood, creating distinct markers in my memory of world events.

Later, during my junior high years, the chilling news of the Columbine shootings resonated deeply, introducing a new level of fear and confusion, shifting our collective perception of safety in schools. Then, in high school, I was buying a bagel before classes when I first heard reports of a tower being struck by a plane. Arriving at first period, I watched in disbelief as the second plane hit, witnessing the unfolding tragedy of 9/11 in real-time. These moments, etched into my memory, felt like monumental shifts in global consciousness, defining events that truly changed the world. I’m certain many more pivotal events occurred during my formative years, and I’d love to hear what significant moments you remember as big events during your own childhood – they connect us across generations, reminding us of our shared human experience.

So Much Destruction and Commotion: The World Through Our Children’s Eyes

Fast forward to today, and consider the sheer volume of global turmoil our children have witnessed in an alarmingly short span. In just 2020 alone, barely eight months into the year, my children were absorbing news of devastating fires across Australia, the US, and other regions, swarms of locusts invading, the emergence of killer bees, a global pandemic that reshaped daily life, widespread riots and protests advocating for justice, a palpable surge of anger and division across societies, and a catastrophic bomb in Lebanon. In merely eight months, their young minds grappled with more destruction, commotion, and complex global crises than I encountered in my entire eighteen years of growing up. This rapid succession of intense events has undeniably created a unique childhood experience for them, far removed from the relative tranquility of previous generations.

We’ve been compelled to engage in discussions that are far beyond their tender years—conversations about personal safety in a tumultuous world, distinguishing truth from deception in an age of misinformation, the disturbing realities of child sex trafficking, the complexities of politics, evolving gender discussions, the fundamental importance of the family unit, and so much more. This intense exposure can feel incredibly heavy, and there are moments when my “momma heart” cries out in anguish, “You’re robbing them of their childhood! This must end!” We yearn for their innocence to be preserved, for a simpler, safer world, a yearning that every loving parent can deeply relate to.

Drenched in Destiny: Our Hope and Preparation for the Future

Yet, despite these daunting realities and the natural inclination to shield our children, a profound and hopeful quote has resonated within me all week, a powerful anchor in turbulent waters. I cling to it, not out of naiveté or denial, but because I have an enduring hope, coupled with the sober understanding that this is likely only the beginning of an era defined by significant change. Thus, I repeat and remember not only who I am called to be as a parent in these critical times but, more importantly, who our children are truly destined to become. This perspective shifts the narrative from despair to one of purpose and preparedness.

As Neal A. Maxwell so eloquently stated, capturing the essence of this generation:

DRENCHED IN DESTINY. The phrase itself is invigorating, giving me chills and a renewed sense of purpose. It implies a divine foresight, a specific preparation for this unique moment in history. While these times can undeniably be scary, fraught with uncertainty and challenges, the profound truth is that we—both as parents and as a collective generation—were prepared for this. And so were our children. We are not accidental inhabitants of these days but purposeful participants, equipped with the inner strength and guidance needed to navigate these waters.

Unlocking Potential and Fulfilling Promises in a Changing World

If we consciously choose to listen, to tune into the quiet promptings and discern the greater plan, we will begin to realize our immense potential. We will remember the promises we have made, both to ourselves and to a higher power, and gain the clarity to fulfill them. This requires cultivating virtues such as meekness, remaining true to our core values, and keeping our “eyes on Him”—focused on a greater purpose and divine guidance that transcends the immediate chaos. It means fostering an environment of spiritual resilience and emotional intelligence in our homes, preparing our children not just for the challenges, but for the opportunities to contribute meaningfully.

This generation, our children, are not merely passive observers of history unfolding; they are active participants. They are being equipped with resilience, empathy, and an understanding of the world’s complexities that will empower them to lead, innovate, and inspire. Our role as parents is crucial in guiding them through these revelations, helping them to process the information, develop critical thinking, and cultivate an unshakeable moral compass. We are building their emotional and spiritual resilience, preparing them for a future that calls for profound courage and steadfastness. They are destined to make a significant difference, and our guidance now is foundational to that future impact.

Finding Joy Amidst the Journey of Motherhood: A Call to Perseverance

Therefore, let us return to the original counsel that began this reflection: “Be not weary in well-doing.” Every single act of love, every patient explanation, every shared laugh, every tear wiped away, every meal prepared, every story read – these seemingly small, often exhausting efforts are cumulatively building something monumental. They are the bedrock upon which strong character, unwavering faith, and a deep sense of purpose are formed within our children. This is the great work, the foundation being laid daily in our homes, within our families, and through our dedicated parenting. It is a work that, though often unseen and unapplauded, carries eternal significance.

The journey of motherhood is rarely linear, often messy, and frequently overwhelming. But it is also filled with unparalleled love, profound growth, and immense joy. This joy isn’t found in the absence of challenges, but in the strength we discover within ourselves to navigate them, in the unbreakable bonds we forge with our children, and in the unwavering belief that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Embrace this destiny, embrace the beautiful chaos, and embrace the profound privilege of nurturing a generation so uniquely “drenched in destiny.” You are doing incredible work, and your efforts are shaping not just individual lives, but the very fabric of the future, instilling hope and purpose in a world that desperately needs it.