A Holy Ghost High-Five

I have a sign in my house that I walk by multiple times each day. 

It says, "The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home." 

Some days I walk by it and pitifully think "boy, if that's really true I'm in trouble," because I mess up a lot, every day. I'm loud when I should listen, I get irritated when I should show love. It's a constant struggle to be the Mom and the person I know I can be. 

But then there are times that I walk by and I smile and think, "Yes! This is the most important work and I'm doing a bang up job of it!" 

I've been keeping this family running while my husband was away for ten days now. I started this new scripture study curriculum while getting up earlier, starting a new routine on very little sleep. We've eaten all home cooked meals (including this morning's cookie breakfast!), and I didn't order pizza once which I'm often tempted to do when we're busy and he's gone! 

I've attended their church things, seen my daughter get her temple recommend, attempted to potty train my son, let the kids have their friends over for a game night. I played with my kids out in the woods and chased them in the house, and looked into their eyes, and hugged them whenever they wanted me to. 

I cleaned and decluttered, and tackled the laundry, been a friend, and followed promptings, and tonight we did something together we haven't been able to do in a long time. We painted together... something we love to do but haven't really been able to do since our move. 

So yeah, I'm sure I'll beat myself up for mistakes I make another day, but tonight, I am feeling a big high-five from the Spirit...and you know what? I'll take it! And I'll try to remember it during the hard moments. 

I hope you'll take a minute to see the good you've accomplished in the last week as well. This is the greatest work, and while there were some days recently where I questioned that truth, deep down I know it will all be worth it in the end! 

(PS, Thanks to my sisters for calling me this week and giving me pep talks and saying encouraging words! It really built me up when I needed it!)