Steps On The Path....

*I found this post saved in my drafts for my blog. It was written back in October 2008. Little did I know at the time the next steps that were ahead...

I've been thinking lately about the steps I have taken in my life..... So many of them, some huge but some seemingly so small but still of such great importance.

At the age of 16 I stepped into the waters of baptism. Becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was my beginning step -- the step on the path to the rest of my life.

At the age of 17 came the step to receive my patriarchal blessing. What a wonderful guide that has been for me. I am always reassured when I re-read the promised blessings that are mine if I remain faithful.

At the age of 23 I stepped toward an eternal marriage. I married far above what I deserved. My choice in a companion has proven to be nothing short of spectacular!

By 24 I took my first step into motherhood holding tightly to hand of my eternal companion. I remember fondly the days when my children where little. I felt like a good mom, a fun mom, a happy mom. I remember sitting next to our first child in the front seat of our small car, handing him french fries and hearing him say, "fry-fry?" with that question in his voice as he learned a new word for french fries. :) I remember that same day, minutes later, sitting there crying because I could not comprehend how I could find room in my heart to love the second child that was on the way. The thought of dividing my time, my love and my heart was inconceivable. But as every mother knows it is possible to love other children that come into the family as much as the first. I went on to have 5 more after our first child and I can tell you that I loved each of them just as much as the first. I don't claim to know how but it happens, like magic. Maybe because motherhood is magic.

I've stepped on to the path of teenage-hood, a path that many times is shaky at best. It's a good thing that that motherhood magic casts it's spell because often you have to draw on the magic you once felt to be able to survive the years when the magic just ain't happenin'! :) I know that those of you who have trod my same path know what I'm talking about!

I've recently taken the step into mother-in-law-hood....what a very nice step it is. Our sweet daughter-in-law has come into our family with a big heart and a big smile and loving our son. We cannot help but to love her -- we have from the start. We can only hope that all of our children choose so wisely when they are looking for an eternal companion.

So many steps taken, so many more to come.....