The Sabbath day for a mom isn't always a restful day.

Dear Ash,

We've been reminded of the importance of the Sabbath day lately and it has gotten me to really think about how I can make the day more meaningful for myself. My seminary teacher once told our class about how he judged how well he kept the Sabbath day holy by how rested he felt afterwards.

If we're judging it by that standard, then I am entirely failing.

It can be a little hard, sometimes. I have to admit that sometimes going to church with you is exhausting (and when I say sometimes, I actually mean every week). Just keeping you entertained and quiet is quite the job. Add that on top of all the other things that mothers do every day and don't get a break from even on Sunday (like, getting ready, getting you ready, making breakfast and lunch and dinner and snacks and cleaning up from those, and just taking care of you), Sundays can be harder than other days.

I've been trying really hard, though, to set Sunday apart as a day of rest, one during which I can focus on other, really important things. Here are some of my goals.

I try to do as much as I can to prepare on Saturday. I clean and food prep for any meals I'm going to make. I clip our nails and pack the diaper bag for church. I try really hard to do Sunday's work on Saturday. I'm not perfect at this and it isn't possible to do ALL the work, but that's my goal.

Something else I find really helpful in bringing a different Spirit to the day is simply listening to Sunday music. I start at breakfast and try to keep it going. It makes all the difference sometimes.

I like to use my free time on Sundays to write letters or to study scriptures. This really reminds me that it is a special day, one that I'm setting aside for the Lord. Ben and I always try to spend time relaxing together and now that we're so close to family, it's easy to spend time with them on Sunday evenings as well.

I know that the Sabbath means different things to different people. Sometimes I forget to do something and end up having to do it on Sunday. Sometimes our plans change or I have a bad week. And sometimes, you are more work than others. I know that the most important part of keeping the Sabbath day holy is simply trying.

Try to keep the Savior in our thoughts. Try to make the sacrament meaningful. Try to find ways to show the Lord that you are setting aside the day for him. Everyone does this differently and I am always finding new or different ways to do so. I know that as I am trying, the Lord sees my efforts and appreciates them.

Even when you stand up and shriek during church.

Love,
Mom