I know we talked about moms last week as we studied a past Conference talk, but between the upcoming Mother’s Day and the fact that I’m a mom, I reserve the right to address the subject again! This week, we’re looking at a talk from 1974, given by Bishop H. Burke Peterson of the Presiding Bishopric. The talk is entitled “Mother, Catch the Vision of Your Call.”
Bishop Peterson begins by citing the true story of a teenage delinquent. A neighbor remembered a time when, as a young child, he had told her that there was no mother at his house, though he lived with both of his parents. “You see,” Bishop Peterson states, “there is a darkness that comes when there is no mother there.”
He then states that the goal of his talk is to give “encouragement, strength, and guidance to those of your number who are confused and wondering about the importance of their call in the Lord’s eternal plan.” He quotes President David O. McKay, who noted that a mother who successfully rears children whose influence will be felt for generations is a partner with God Himself.
Bishop Peterson talks about the mistaken belief that many feel that they can be successful with their children by providing a bigger home, more goodies, and so forth, all of which can be obtained by sending a mom into the workplace. He calls this a “one of the greatest tragedies of our day” and states “Satan would have us believe that money or the things money can buy are more important in the home than mother.”
Excusing those mothers who are the primary breadwinner, he focuses instead on those couples who feel a second income is necessary. He counsels them to kneel in prayer, even those mothers of teenagers. He addresses the idea that even moms of school-age children who work are depriving them, because the mother comes home from work exhausted, rather than being there when the kids come home from school. He further provides other costs to count that we might not conventionally consider.
Bishop Peterson goes on to remind us that our children are not a gift to us but a “priceless loan to be returned.” These wonderful spirits are more important than luxuries, or even more expensive necessities. Better to have hand-me-downs and mother at home than Gap clothes and a missing mom. He pleads with us to “do without if you need to, but don’t do without mother.”
He then addresses husbands and children, encouraging them to help their wives and mothers be happy in their homes. He reminds them (particularly the men of the homes) that “cheery “please,” “thank you,” or “I’m sorry, dear” will go a long way to heal the wounds of a sometimes frustrating day.” What wonderful insight!
This talk was a wonderful one and helped me to be inspired in the middle of a rough day. It encouraged me to focus more on what my children have and less on what they have not. It reminded me the importance of a mom not only to the toddlers but also to the teenagers. I found it inspirational and hopeful, and plan to ask my husband to read it as a mother’s day gift, since I could always use more encouragement! Overall, I really enjoyed it and found it uplifting.
Related Articles:
General Conference From the Past: Because She Is a Mother