I had a "bad mom" day

Not long ago I was having a “bad mom” day. I was on my phone too much, I raised my voice unnecessarily, I felt lazy, and I was impatient with my kids. I recognized my need to change, and I felt the Spirit prompting me to fix my problems. But almost simultaneously I felt defeated, and I felt the desire to just “give in” to my bad day. I could always change tomorrow, right? The thought crossed my mind that I had already chosen to ruin most of the day, so it was pointless to try to fix it at that point. Thankfully, I ended the battle in my head by listening to the Spirit, rather than Satan. I immediately prayed to God, repented for my choices, and asked for help to do better. I put my phone away, I chose to be “up and doing,” and I gave more attention to my kids. We did chores together, went outside in the backyard and played tag, and had a great bedtime routine filled with books, songs, and kisses. What started out as a “bad mom” day turned into a wonderful mom day. My kids went to bed with smiles on their faces, and I felt like a different person compared to just a few hours prior.

I have had this experience so many times as a mom. I fall short often, and I find myself hearing a voice of inadequacy and defeat. But, I have discovered by ignoring that dark voice, and instead listening to a voice that is encouraging, uplifting, and enabling—I can continually repent, change, and find happiness. Because of the Savior, all is never lost. Because of the Savior, I can rise above my mistakes. Because of the Savior, I can continually improve as a mom.

Satan doesn’t want mothers to remember the Savior. He knows the immeasurable impact for good we can have, so he wants to thwart our work. He strives to make us feel stuck in a cycle of worthlessness, despair, and discouragement. He wants us to feel like failures. 

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,

“The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be. Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward.”

What a gift it is to know that we don’t have to fall for Satan’s trap! Because of Jesus Christ, we never need to feel stuck or unchangeable. The Savior provides the way out of despair and into the light. He offers us a change of heart and a change of mind. Through Him, we can find peace, hope, and enabling grace. I find such comfort and hope in these words by Dale G. Renlund, “Even if we’ve been a conscious, deliberate sinner or have repeatedly faced failure and disappointment, the moment we decide to try again, the Atonement of Christ can help us.”

I am so grateful that even on my worst days I can turn to the Savior, make a change, and find happiness.

I am also so grateful for my children who choose to look past my shortcomings and forgive me for my mistakes. It reminds me to do the same for them. They are trying to figure out life, just like me. I need to be patient with their mistakes and help them to overcome their shortcomings. I want to teach them that they can always try again.

May we each remember it is never too late to change, especially in our motherhood. May we remember our Savior, who stands ready to forgive and enable us. No matter what you or I have done wrong today, in this very moment, we can try again. We can repent and trust in the Lord. We can experience His enabling grace. Let us each remember the comforting words of President Thomas S. Monson, “One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final.” ❤