A-HA Moment

Today, Elder Richards from the Quorum of the Seventy came and spoke to our ward during Sunday School and Relief Society. I was really excited because I always learn a ton when I hear him speak. He was our old stake president, so I've heard from him alot, and today I had one major A-HA moment.
We were talking about being an instrument in the Lord's hands, and how that relates to being a parent. I have always known that motherhood is a divine role and that I am here to teach my children, but it never occured to me that I am actually an instrument in the Lord's hands. I learned that there are three things I need to do to for my children. They are:

1. Teach truth

2. Encourage

3. Rescpect Agency

To be able to teach truth, I must know truth, understand truth, and live truth. Then I can teach it to my kids. Second, I need to encourage them to live the truth. Some other verbs we talked about today are: persuade, help, love, support, influence, inspire, motivate, and labor diligently. Don't use force. The third thing is what I struggle with the most: respect agency. I know the gospel is true and therefore EVERYONE should know it's true and live it's teachings. Well, that's not exactly how things turn out. This third principle was an answer to my prayers. I have a brother who is not making very wise choices right now, and I get frustrated with him because he knows better and therefore he should do better. I have been praying for guidance as to how I can be a better sister, and today's discussion was an answer to my prayers. I need to practice these three steps, and most importantly, I need to respect his agency. So, I need to abide by these principles in order to be an effective instrument in raising my children and developing relationships with my family.

We also talked about having love as the motivating factor in our lives. Our love for the Savior should inspire us to be more kind, patient, loving, forgiving, and full of charity. Our love for the Savior and our Heavenly Father should motivate us to do our visiting teaching. I admit that sometimes I do it just so I can report that I've done it. But I need to teach truth to my sisters. I should be visiting them because I love them as the Savior loves them. I should be serving them and making sure they are taken care of.

I need to live by the Spirit so I can be guided to do what the Lord wants me to do. I am an instrument in building up the kingdom of God. I need to live worthily so that I can be an example to others.

This was my A-HA moment.