You're Going To Make It - originally published January 18, 2012

The other day at the end of Sacrament Meeting an elderly woman who was sitting behind my family reached forward and said, “You’re a great mom!”  “Really?” I said, “Even with kids fighting and biting?”  She just laughed and said, “Don’t worry.  You’re going to make it.”

I don’t think we can hear that enough as we raise our children.  I feel so uncertain a lot of the time.  I’m just making it up as I go.  I try to have a plan of action as I teach, but more often than not I’m just taking care of whatever new crisis presents itself.  Thank goodness for wise parents and friends who have been where I am and can reassure me that I’m going to make it and my kids are going to make it too.

This morning I was feeling particularly panicky.  I’d had a long talk with Joshua last night and realized more than ever that I have a teenager in the house.  Then this morning I read something on a blog that made me want to crawl in bed, pull the covers over my head and cry.  How are my kids going to make it?  The world is just too scary.

Luckily, I have wise and wonderful parents.  I needed to talk this one through so I gave them a call.  “Are the things I’m doing here in my home enough?” I asked.  There was a resounding, “Yes!” then comfort, advice and sharing of experiences.  They reassured me that I would teach my children the things they need to know, that the example Harold and I are providing for them will help them navigate scary waters.  They helped me remember that in the end our influence is greater than any influence the world might exert.  I hope so.  I truly hope so.

You know, I think I believe them.  I’m going to make it.  My heart is light and I think I’ll stay out of my bed.  Besides there’s work to be done and children to teach.