Monday, November 9, 2009

Worth It

Sunday was challenging, to say the least. I was feeling really sick all day--first trimester pregnancy I-want-to-curl-up-in-a-ball-and-hibernate-somewhere sick. I managed to get the kids fed, dressed and to church (OK, at least one of them didn't have shoes on, but we were there before the opening song ended). My husband had a meeting in the morning, so he was there already. I spent Sacrament Meeting in the hallway with restless kids, spent the second hour teaching music to the primary children, and spent the third hour huddled in the car feeling miserable. Esther fell asleep in the car on the way home; I carried her inside and collapsed on the bed next to her for a badly needed nap. The rest of the day was filled with the usual mayhem--my four year old brought a big bowl of sand into the house, and the toddler proceeded to dump it by spadefuls all over the living room floor. Lily managed to shatter not one but two glasses on the kitchen floor. I fed my family frozen pizza for lunch and boxed macaroni and cheese for dinner. I sometimes think when the Lord called the Sabbath a day of rest he forgot to take mothers into consideration! (I do need to say that my husband was incredibly kind, patient and supportive throughout the day. And in the evening he took us all out for a nice family walk, then put the kids to bed while I took a nice long shower. Thank You!)

In any case, complaining is not the point of this post. The point is that the things in life that are worthwhile, the things that bring true joy and have an eternal impact, also take a huge amount of effort. Things like building (and rebuilding, and shoring up, and deepening...) a solid relationship with our spouse. Things like bringing children into the world--then caring for them and helping them develop the skills, attitudes and faith that will enable them to successfully forge their way in the world. Things like repenting when we have erred, and forgiving when we have been hurt. Things like turning away from pride and being humble enough to learn the lessons the Lord wants to teach us. It's hard. It takes work.

When I think of work, this comes to mind:

The Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints took 40 years to build. It was a work of great love and dedication, the fruit of faith and hope. Here is one story among many of the sacrifice and devotion that went into building this sacred edifice.

John Rowe Moyle was called to serve as a stonemason for the Salt Lake Temple construction. He and his family lived and farmed in Alpine, Utah, some 22 miles from the temple, and the only transportation available to him was his own two feet--the family owned a horse, but it was needed for work on the farm. Brother Moyle made this trip every week, arising at 2:00 AM Monday morning in order to arrive at 8:00 for the day's work. On Friday afternoon he would retrace his steps, spending the weekend at home with his family and tending his farm. One weekend he was kicked in the leg by a cow he was milking, causing a serious compound fracture that resulted in the amputation of his leg. As soon as he was able, he set to work carving out of wood an artificial leg. He practiced walking on this leg until he felt he was ready to return to the temple work. Early one Monday morning he set out, walking now on his wooden leg, and once again took his place among the stoneworkers. He continued his work on the temple for many years. One of his contributions was the carving of the words "Holiness to the Lord" on the East side:


I think Brother Moyle has set an example worthy of emulation by each of us who seek to live a life of "Holiness to the Lord". The lesson? Keep working. What we are building is worth every effort we can make.

7 comments:

Kelley said...

Congratulations! That's the most unique way I've seen of announcing an impending addition to the family. I wish I could come and help you during the time when you're sick. My pregnancy with Rachel laid me flat. I'd never experienced that before, and it was HARD!

I'll keep you in my prayers. And thank you for the story about Brother Moyle. I needed that for a perspective check.

Karene said...

AMEN...and beautifully put, as usual!

I hope the first trimester woes pass sooner than later for you this time. Mine finally seem to be over, but it lasted until about 15 weeks. Does make me think it may be a girl this time though...we'll find out soon!

We didn't get to see you guys again before we left, so I'm really glad you made that last visit to us. Thank goodness for blogs to keep up with each others' lives!

Amber said...

While pregnant with Logan, I repeatedly told Damon that 3 may very well be all he was getting because I was so miserable. But it's funny how once he came out, of course I've been holding him all the day long whenever I can and thinking how if he really is the last, how sad I'd be. In fact I told Damon I thought I could do 6. He about fainted, lol. At any rate, I'm extremely grateful we only have to do the 9 months of pregnancy once per child :)

Maile said...

Congratulations!! I was wondering if we'd get this type of announcement from you sometime soon. I'm so excited for you.

And amen to your post. It is beautifully written. I've thought on Sundays like these that Heavenly Father certainly consecrates our efforts, however feeble they may seem to us in the moment, and helps our children learn from our example of sticking to it. You're doing great!

Keeley said...

Congratulations on your pregnancy! How wonderful. =)

Commiserations on the nausea - oooohhhh I feel your pain. I hope it doesn't last too long for you.

Kelly said...

Congratulations Paula!!! How awesome that you are building a new little person. :) I hope your first trimester ickies pass quickly - I always had horrible first trimesters too so I commiserate fully.

And I loved your post - so beautiful. So true!

God bless you and yours and Happy Veterans Day to boot! :) :)

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

I'm sorry that Sunday was such a challene....I totally agree with the point of your post. What you are building is worth all the effort it takes now.