Last Sunday, as I was helping my mom with some dinner preparations, the little pitter patter of feet enter the kitchen. As I turn to either get little Adrienne a glass of water, or distract her with something else outside of the kitchen, she asks me if she can help me make dinner. Not usually something that happens incredibly often, I assumed she would soon direct her attention to other things. Discovering that she really wanted to help, I stopped my task of the moment. I was kind of flustered and didn't really know what to do, or what she could help with.
I turned away for a second, and looked back down to where she was standing, as a little voice whispered to me, "Don't turn her away. Let her help." As if on cue, she grabbed a bucket to stand on so that she could reach the stove, so I smiled, giving her the egg mixture and a whisk. Almost immediately, I started to wipe away tears. I realized that I was being taught by Heavenly Father, in the simplest way he could get me to listen... through a five year old child. Continuing to watch her, she smiled, and carried on in her five year old banter, giggling as she went. I caught myself smiling at her more than once, and realized that this is what life is all about. The little moments.
As we continued to make dinner, I began thinking. My fondest dream in life is to be a mom. It's pretty much all I've ever wanted since I was 15, when Adrienne was born, and really, when all of my siblings were born. Sometimes I try to tell myself that it will happen when it's supposed to, and other days, my heart longs for that special moment of holding my first child in my arms with my future husband standing close by, watching over both of us in the quaint hospital room, with a twinkle in his eyes that can only signify being a new father and parent.
I have been reflecting a lot on this experience, as well as the song "Let Them Be Little." I began thinking about all the little things that I may miss, or have missed, as my siblings are growing up, which made me realize how much family time should be cherished. The little moments with my siblings and parents that I need to learn to appreciate when I'm not right nearby them because of school. If there's one thing I learned to cherish the most during this Christmas season, it was definitely the concept of family.
One day I'll have my own family to provide and care for, and hopefully be able to teach in the ways of the Gospel. I already have a strong feeling that those little ones waiting will teach me far more than I (and my future husband) will be able to teach them. I couldn't be more grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, and the quiet power that the Holy Ghost has to teach me even the littlest of lessons. I can't wait for my own little future family, and the joy that they will bring into my life, just as my parents, siblings, and other family members have already done for me.
