Pages

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Nothing Else Matters

One of the things I've felt impressed to do this year is to record some of the defining moments of my life. 

I'm not talking about the "big" things--because typically the moments that might seem impressive to others aren't the ones that define you.

I'm talking about the little things, like brief conversations with people I admire or "ah-ha" moments that come to me at unexpected times.  Many of my defining moments have happened on quiet days when I've prayed hard and thought deeply about what God wants for me.  And many others have happened in the midst of chaos (because that's very regular in my life). 

The defining moment I want to write about today happened during a lunch break when I was in elementary school.

We lived just a block away from the school, and I skipped home practically every day to eat a cup of Campbell's vegetable soup and a slice of whole wheat toast with my mom. She would stop the sweeping, move the bills off to the side of the table, and sit with me for the 20 or 30 minutes I was home . . . simply letting me tell her all about my morning and what our class's plans were for the afternoon.

But one day, I came home in tears.

My mom immediately opened her arms to me and said, "Oh, April, what's the matter?"  Then she led me out to the living room and sat down beside me on our soft brown couch, holding my hands and looking into my eyes--trying to figure out what on earth could be troubling me so much.

I poured out my heart and, through my sobs, told her how a girl at school had told another girl (who then relayed the message back to me) that she thought I was ugly.

Looking back, I can see that this was just one of those things girls do--growing up and figuring yourself out is challenging. This particular classmate and I later became good friends, but at the time, I was devastated.

My mom then told me two things.

First, she said, "April, you are not ugly."

I appreciated hearing that from her, but it didn't really help.  She's my mom.  Of course she's going to say that. 

But the second thing she told me has stayed with me for the last 20+ years, and I count it as one of my defining moments.

"And you must remember that the only thing that matters is what the Lord thinks of you.  Is the Lord pleased with you, April?"

I thought for a moment--about how I tried so hard to be a good girl, how I tried to love other people and work hard in school and obey my parents and help people who felt sad.  I thought about how I felt when I prayed and when I read the scriptures.  I knew I wasn't perfect, but I knew that I was living a life that would please the Lord.

I looked up at my mom and nodded my head.

And then she said, "Then nothing else matters."

That phrase sat in my heart, and I knew it was true.

At the end of that lunch break, I walked back to school with the most peaceful feeling inside.

I hadn't gotten any prettier while I was home, but as I crossed the street and entered back into the playground, it simply didn't matter anymore.

Even though I'm no longer an adolescent, there are still moments I start to worry about what others think of me.  My work at Power of Moms is very public.  I pour out my heart on a regular basis.  I show people pictures of the messes on my counters.  I let everyone see my wrinkles and the dark circles under my eyes. 

But these words from my mom come back to me often, and every time I think of them, I feel that same peaceful feeling.

We all have times when we wonder if we are enough.  And there will never be a shortage of exchanges--deliberate or accidental--that hurt our feelings.

But we can strengthen our resolve and remind ourselves that the only thing that matters is what the Lord thinks of us.

Have you had any specific experiences that helped you learn (or teach) this lesson?

Love,
April

9 comments:

  1. Thank you so much April. I had one of those moments this morning where I felt I was not enough and would never be. Your post was EXACTLY what I needed this morning. Thank you for being brave enough for sharing your messy counters and what you do with them.
    love, a friend
    Katie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Katie. It's so nice to know we're not going through this alone. xoxo

      Delete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I LOVE this story. Your Mom has always been a special sister in my eyes. She was always the same person, never put on airs, but was just her sweet, God loving self. I have always looked up to her. The Gospel was always so important to her. What she said to you, is exactly what I would imagine she would say. I am so proud of you, April and the woman you have become. May God bless you and yours. Give your Mom a big hug from me, will you? So good to be in touch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Carole! I shared your comment with my mom, and she told me how much she loves YOU. Hugs and kisses from Zoe. :)

      Delete
  4. Thank you so much for sharing that April! That needs to be an article in the Ensign/New Era/Friend. Simply, beautiful, powerful. I will be pondering on that question as I go about my days.
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes, one day while serving in a church calling that I felt much pressure to please people in. I was the Enrichment leader and what I was choosing to do sometimes the older sisters in my ward loved and the younger ones weren't interested in and visa versa. Even though by nature I am not a "pleaser" I really had a sincere desire to please everyone and have them feel welcomed, loved, and enriched. I was talking to a friend who reminded me that the only person I should be trying to please through my service is my Father in Heaven (and Savior of course). It has stayed with me as I've served in other capacities focusing on what the Lord is pleased with. Thanks for the sweet reminder. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that you've learned to apply this concept to church callings. It's true that we can't please everybody. What I think is sweet is how the Lord doesn't require us to "work ourselves to death" in order to please Him. In fact, it's quite the opposite, isn't it? Love you!

      Delete



Related Posts with Thumbnails