Mother Dearest.

Through the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other modern day revelation, we are painted a pretty clear picture of the character of our Heavenly Father. It is well known that he is merciful, compassionate, forgiving, selfless, powerful, kind, all knowing, and filled with an unwavering love for his children. Our Heavenly Mother, however, remains a bit more mysterious. During the most recent session of General Conference, Sister Julie B. Beck helped us to more fully understand the disposition of our Heavenly Mother when she counseled us to look to our mother’s as examples. Until this time, it hadn’t occurred to me how vital the role of motherhood is. We have the scriptures and prophets to bring us closer to our Father in Heaven, but the best way to build a relationship with our Heavenly Mother is simply to observe our earthly mothers.

President Gordon B. Hinkley once stated that “God planted within women something divine.” I believe a part of that which He planted is the gift of and the gifts associated with motherhood. Elder Matthew Cowley taught that “men have to have something given to them [in mortality] to make them saviors of men, but not mothers, not women. [They] are born with an inherent right, an inherent authority, to be the saviors of human souls . . . the regenerating force in the lives of God’s children.” As I think on my own mother, my personal example of righteousness in this existence, the teachings of these mouthpieces of the Lord become concrete. My mother was truly born with “something divine.” Her entire aura radiates that of untainted divinity. She was blessed with a natural inclination to love; a trait rare, perfect, and unwaveringly pure. Whether my mom is teaching a primary class, conducting an adoptive home study, chatting it up with a checker at the grocery store, or even Facebook-ing, her adoration for Heavenly Father’s children is unmistakably known. She has taught me the importance of treating each individual like gold—and being willing to go the extra mile to help out someone in need. At every turn she looks around and seems to ask herself, “Who needs you and your influence? Who needs your healing, nurturing touch? Who needs someone to understand them and to believe in them?” She is the most selfless individual I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. There are hundreds of examples which perfectly exhibit the temperament of my beautiful mother, but to boast is not my intention. I truly just feel privileged to have been raised by the caliber of woman who molded me into the Chelsea I am, and the Chelsea I someday hope to be. My mother is the woman I will pattern my own life after. She is my guiding light. Her influence on me will not only span decades, but as I teach my (future) children and grandchildren, her example will spread into the eternities.

Happy Mother’s Day! I love you, Mom. :]