For Such A Time As This

A few years ago I had the opportunity to see an amazing production at BYU Women’s Conference called For Such a Time as This.  Even now years later, I remember it well and how truly amazing it was, and it has kept me thinking.  It started by talking about Esther and how she was needed to become queen and save all the Jews.  The Lord had a special mission or plan just for her.  She was born for such a time as this.  Then it went on to talk about how each women no matter what circumstances they are in, whether they are single, married with children, married without children, divorced  or married with grown children.   We each have a special personalized plan tailored just for us from the Lord.  It kept me thinking for the last few years, “I wonder what the Lord needs me to do.” 

Have you ever thought you knew the answer to a question before you even asked? I was so sure that I knew the answer that I felt silly even asking it.  My husband was so sure he wasn’t even going to ask.  We had no doubt that our plan wasn’t what the Lord wanted for us.  I did ask the question as silly as I felt, “Do we have all the kids that you want to send us?”  Well I got His answer immediately and strong although I kind of hoped that he got me mixed up with someone else or that the reception wasn’t very good and I somehow misunderstood.  So, over the course of the next year, I kept asking the same question getting the same answer.  It didn’t take me a year to get my answer. It took me a year to accept His answer.  For me, I finally understand what my personalized plan is from the Lord.  He needs me to be a Mom to at least  7 of his spirit children.  (Yep I said at least!! I hate odd numbers!!! I am OLD and tired of being pregnant though.  So I think I can live with odd.)

My sister Alicia told me once that she could have bought a brand new car, a bigger house, or traveled the world instead of having her 4^th child.  (She has a few more than that now). Then she asked which one is of more worth and value now?  A 1989 Buick or Morgan?   We don’t place a high value or priority on things of this world.  You can keep the bigger house and the nice new car.  When it’s all said and done, the car will get old and the house will need a new roof, but my kids will only get better. 

For you, your personalized plan is different.  Maybe what He needs you to do is to take care of elderly parents, raise a child with special needs or not have children of your own but help others in raising theirs.   Whatever our own plan is, we need to figure out our own path and then do our best in all He asks of us and help eachother along the way.  I know that, if we choose to follow our Savior, when it is all said and done, we will look back at our path and not change anything.  But be grateful for who we have become.  (I have a long way to go before that happens.) 

My hope is that we can all help each other along the way.  I have learned so much about parenting from my single friends without children.  I have learned forgiveness from my friends who have gone through divorce.   I have learned unconditional love and sacrifice from my nieces and nephews with special abilities and my Sisters who take care of them.  We can each one no matter what our circumstance share so much with each other.

I told you when I started this blog that I keep my eye on that ultimate goal.  One day I hope to stand before God with my husband and all my Children and say, ”Yes I tried to do my best at everything you asked.  It wasn’t easy and sometimes people thought I was insane, but I’ve tried my best.”  So once again forever is our goal with a detour through chaos…. And morning sickness!!