I recently  gave a lesson in church.  It got me thinking a lot about life and all the crazy things that are pulling us away from everything that can be good and happy.

Our kids have so many pressures and demands in their life.  There so many things that can distract them, and keep them from what they should be doing.  There are so many distractions that sometimes, I don’t know how any of us do what it is we should be doing.  There are days that I get so distracted, that I just spin circles at home; and literally get nothing done.  Anyone know the feeling?

I think it’s just important to take notice that we do something good each day.  That we are staying on the right path.

When I was preparing this lesson for church, I came across this awesome talk, with great advice.  This advice can get us through all the distractions, and through all the heartaches, and through all the turmoil, and grief, and everything we must go through in this life.  …Because yes, we are going to have that too.  Along with just being distracted during the mundane, we also have the big distractions.  The ones that tear at our heartstrings, and leave us feeling hopeless at times.  The advice that was given in this talk was to:

STAY IN THE BOAT!!

During this talk, M. Russell Ballard talked about some family members who prepared to take a river rapid trip.  When they got there the guide gave them three rules that would ensure the group’s safe travel through the rapids. “Rule number one: stay in the boat! Rule number two: always wear a life jacket! Rule number three: always hold on with both hands!” He then said again, with even more emphasis, “Above all, remember rule number one: stay in the boat!”

M. Russell Ballard said this about staying in the boat:

“This adventure reminds me of our mortal journey. Most of us experience periods in our lives where the tranquil waters of life are appreciated. At other times, we encounter white-water rapids that are metaphorically comparable to those found in the 14-mile stretch through Cataract Canyon—challenges that may include physical and mental health issues, the death of a loved one, dashed dreams and hopes, and—for some—even a crisis of faith when faced with life’s problems, questions, and doubts.

The Lord in His goodness has provided help, including a boat, essential supplies such as life jackets, and experienced river guides who give guidance and safety instructions to help us make our way down the river of life to our final destination.”

This little reminder was so helpful to me as a mother.  Sometimes I feel like I am lost at sea as I navigate the waters of motherhood.  I don’t know what I am doing.  I don’t know how to help these kids find their way through these tough times of teenager hood, or how to mange friends as a young child.

What I do know, is I can help remind them to STAY IN THE BOAT!!

For my family this means, staying close to God through prayer, reading some form of scripture on a regular basis, listening to the leaders of our church for guidance, and above all; remaining close as a family.

For you, staying in the boat, might mean something completely different.  I do know that when we stay on a path with meaning, goals, and course, even through the hard times; it’s much easier to see the lighthouse.

I pray for all you mothers out there as we navigate these waters of motherhood together.  I’m grateful we have each other.

If you would like to read more from that talk you can find it here.