Last night, I read from the Ensign. The first article, "These, Our Little Ones," is by Gordon B. Hinckley. I love the article. There is one portion in particular that stands out to me in a very powerful way. It is this story:
The story is told that in ancient Rome a group of women were, with vanity, showing their jewels one to another. Among them was Cornelia, the mother of two boys. One of the women said to her, "And where are your jewels?" To which Cornelia responded, pointing to her sons, "These are my jewels." Under her tutelage and walking after the virtues of her life, they grew to become Gaius and Tiberius Gracchus - the Gracchi, as they were called - two of the most persuasive and effective reformers in Roman history. For as long as they are remembered and spoken of, the mother who reared them after the manner of her own life will be remembered and spoken of with praise also.
My favorite part is the line, "These are my jewels." Along with the article is a powerful picture of two women sitting together. One woman is sitting with her children close beside her, looking lovely, but plain in comparison. The other is adorned with jewelry and every fancy thing, in an attitude of arrogance, and pride. I love the picture. It is so powerful to me.
How often do we feel we are asked, "And where are your jewels?" I remember feeling a similar way when I attended the swearing in ceremony for Charles. I was there, with William in hand, and I was pleasantly dressed, but comparatively plain. I was surrounded by women of the world, fancy suits, expensive jewelry, etc. etc. Yet, as I held William, I felt I was holding something much more precious and valuable than any grand worldly accomplishment. I was holding a Heavenly accomplishment, one so precious and valuable, with infinitely more worth. I was holding something that perhaps captures little value from the world, but captures the highest praise of the Heavens. When all the world is left desolate, all the worldly treasures will wither away and disappear. The one treasure we are allowed to keep forever is our children, our family. I am so grateful for that.
Truly, my children are my jewels. I love them so much it overwhelms me. I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to care for a few of His children - to help them shine, and keep them polished - so I can return my "jewels" to the One who so carefully crafted them.
Lots of love,
Mari
well said Mari!
ReplyDeletesounds like you will be preparing a Sacrament mtg. talk on this one. Wow! what a great message! very inspiring!
Kary
Amen, Sister!!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about my children. I remember years ago a woman stopping me in the store to ask if all of the children with me were mine. At my affirmative reply, she asked if I knew what caused it and suggested that maybe I should have my husband sleep on the couch. I was dumfounded! For days I couldn't get her words out of my mind. I wished that I could have found her and let her know how precious each one was to me. I knew that I had a lot of kids (6 at that point), but I knew in my heart that they were divine offspring of a Heavenly Father and that they had been intrusted to me to love and nurture. I knew that if I raised them to be adults of integrity and character, that they would be of incredible worth to the world.
Thank you for sharing the jewels story. I hadn't read it yet. It is an awesome way to think of our children.
Lots of love!!