“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
My most cherished memories are of my children's sticky, sloppy kisses. Pudgy fingers full of freshly gathered chicken eggs are up there right with them. Memories of my son finally finding cherubic three year old freedom, as he shed a trail of clothes to the wading pool full of mud, still brings happy tears to my eyes. A five year old deciding to close his eyes to ride his bike and being clotheslined by our neighbors mailbox also makes us all laugh, the pain and worry shed years ago. All of these things are memories that will last. The boys remember and cherish their memories with me as well.One of their fondest memories and mine are when we helped a sister take care of her todler twins. Those little girls melted all of our hearts and actually talked my son out of his ice cream one day. They stood before him like baby birds saying, "Some, Some, Some." Getting a spoonful of ice cream with each word. We helped them pack and clean and clean again. We planted a flower garden, then watched as they moved away, leaving us heartbroken because we had come to love them dearly through service. We have never forgotten that summer.
Our kids still remember helping so many people move in and out of our towns. It was hard sometimes. Family work was important to us all though and drew us nearer to each other and the people we served in our community. My husband and I had no idea that we were passing along a family tradition at the time. I now know that our sons will do the same with their families too.
I'm so glad I listened to the spirit and to my own heart as I chose to stay home with my little ones. It wasn't a popular decision at the time and know full well that it isn't for everyone. Most of my friends worked outside of the home. I even watched their children for them-- some I loved like they were my own.
I pray we can all be just like our precious sister who has already passed through those pearly gates and give of ourselves, especially when we are sad, lonely or worried. It has an unburdening effect on our spirits too. When we give of ourselves when our neighbors, our families or a stranger is in need--the blessings flow through our lives.
I love the inspiration behind the quote above. I too want the Lord to know that I was really here and that I really lived life to it's fullest and gave of myself the best that I possibly could.
