Temple Matron of the Home

Sister Monson passed away this morning.  She gets to go home, and while I am sure President Monson will be relying on his testimony of the plan of salvation to comfort all of us in his time of sorrow, I can’t help but hurt for him. My heart goes out to President Monson because he will miss his helpmeet. Her support will be a great loss for him. There are two statements that I love from the article about her in the Church News. I would love for these things to be said about me! I am going to work on making those come true.

• Sister Monson lived a Christ-centered life in word and deed. She will forever be remembered for her kindness and quiet, sustained support of her husband in his Church duties.
• Never purposely in the spotlight, Frances Beverly Johnson Monson was always gracious, kind and supportive in everything she said and did. Her quiet influence felt around the world (in her family) will be missed.

I can’t think of two better things to describe the kind of person I want to become. Recently I read these statements on a blog: " ‘We have the opportunity to create homes that are sacred, safe, and sanctified like the temple.  Can you think of anything more divine than that?  A mother is the temple matron in her own home, doing all she can to make it a place filled with the spirit of God.  A home is a temple because important eternal work takes place there.  The mother of the home plays a significant role in creating that environment and in directing the work within’ (Covenant Motherhood by Stephanie Sorensen, p. 9) This is exactly why I do what I do in my home.  This is why I work so hard--because what happens here matters and is of eternal significance.  But it was fortifying to hear someone put it into words like she does in her book. Sometimes, the work is hard and messy and laborious, but I know WHY I am doing it...to create an atmosphere where my family and I can feel the spirit and learn the teachings of Jesus Christ.  And it is to that end that I do what I do.  Not because I just like crafts or because I love to cook (I don't!)  Those are mainly means to an end...and that end is bringing my children to the Savior. I am convinced now, more than ever, that there are no small jobs in the Kingdom of God.  The things that we do as Mothers, day in and day out, are spiritually significant, for us and for our children and families.” Sister Monson understood her divine role and how important her role was in the lives of those around her, especially her children and her husband. To me, she truly was the temple matron of her home. Her example touches me deeply and strengthens my desire to do what is right. I am relying on my own testimony of these important principles to work hard with the children in my home, within my influence, that aren’t my children. Somehow, the Lord will take my efforts and multiply them and make them matter.