Thank you, Terry Josephs, for your sincere presentation of today's lesson Family Responsibilities. As Gospel Principles notes: "A loving and happy family does not happen by accident. Each person in the family must do his or her part. The Lord has given responsibilities to both parents and children. The scriptures teach that we must be thoughtful, cheerful, and considerate of others. When we speak, pray, sing, or work together, we can enjoy the blessings of harmony in our families." Women have a distinct and divine responsibility. President David O. McKay said that "motherhood is the noblest calling. It is a sacred calling, a partnership with God in bringing His spirit children into the world. Bearing children is one of the greatest of all blessings. If there is no father in the home, the mother presides over the family." President Boyd K. Packer praised women who were unable to have children of their own yet sought to care for others. He said: "When I speak of mothers, I speak not only of those women who have borne children, but also of those who have fostered children born to others, and of the many women who, without children of their own, have mothered the children of others."
Nurturing children was not a natural instinct for me. I struggled with my role for years until I was able to receive the clarity that I needed to be able to enjoy motherhood. I am grateful for the knowledge of a Heavenly Mother and for the examples of stalwart women in both ancient and modern times that help us to understand and enjoy our divinely appointed role as women.
