When I was about five, all I wanted to be for Halloween was a bride. I donned a poofy white dress, along with a veil, and carried a basket of flowers. The next year, I knew exactly what I wanted to be- a mom. I wore an apron and carried a baby doll. Even as a child, I knew that becoming a wife and a parent was my ultimate goal.

Sadly, there are many who do not agree with six-year-old Jenna. In fact, motherhood (and fatherhood) are at the bottom of most worldly lists in term of success. You don’t get a raise or a promotion for being a stellar parent. As a result, many people choose to postpone having children until they have established their career or traveled the world. Women in particular are experiencing current pressure to pursue other goals.

Despite a lack of worldly acclaim, the ability to be a parent is one of our greatest gifts. It brings us closer to godliness than any else on Earth, particularly for women. I love this quote.

“Just as a mother’s body may be permanently marked with the signs of pregnancy and childbirth, [the Savior] said, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (1 Nephi 21:15–16). For both a mother and the Savior, those marks memorialize a wrenching sacrifice- the sacrifice of begetting life- for her, physical birth; for him, spiritual rebirth.”

Bruce C. Hafen

In my own experience, I have felt the influence of many women and mothers. Without their guidance, I have no idea where I would be. My step-mom, Martha, taught me strength and courage as she battled breast cancer. My mom, Cerissa, taught me to love God and trust Him in all things. My grandma, Michel, is an example of truly selfless and Christlike service. I know that each of us has someone in our lives who has influenced us like they have for me. The question for each of us is “How do we exemplify and emulate the examples of beloved mothers and our Savior as we parent our own children?” AND “How do we prepare for motherhood now?”.

First, we must recognize the divinity inside of us. We are the posterity of Eve, whose very name meant “mother of all living”. Even more important, we are the daughters of our Heavenly Father. He has given us divine characteristics that help us nurture and care for our children.

Second, we must exercise our capacity to love unselfishly. Our children will NEED that as they venture into a cold and less than loving world. Motherhood requires giving of self, of one’s current desires, for the good of your children. Although this sacrifice may feel overwhelming at times, the love we show our children will never be wasted. In fact, the love we show them will have a direct affect on their development. For instance, my dad went on a mission to Romania. Romania is full of orphanages where children have never felt the loving touch of a mother’s hand. As a result, man of them have physical and mental disabilities. My dad said it was heartbreaking to see children who would never live a normal life because they didn’t have a mother’s love during the first, crucial years of life.

Third, we should practice teaching others. As we interact with children, or teach in our callings or classes, we are preparing for the biggest teaching job of all- that of Mother. We will be the ones responsible for instilling a knowledge of the gospel, practical skills, and much more for our child.

Fourth, gain confidence in yourself. Motherhood will be demanding and the rewards of our efforts might not be seen immediately. When a child goes astray, or tells us that they hate us, that is going to be painful. We must learn to see ourselves as Christ sees us. Instead of being consumed by guilt over what we aren’t doing, we can take pride in all that we have done. We aren’t going to be perfect, so it is important that we learn to accept failure.

I’d like to sign off with this wonderful video put out a few weeks ago for Mother’s Day. The principles in it hold true for not only mothers, but those of us preparing for and yearning to be moms.