You're gonna need some Oreo's for this one...

This past week this video kept popping up in my feed. I didn't watch it at first because I usually don't enjoy sappy mom appreciation videos. But as more and more of my friends shared it I figured I had better watch it to see what all the fuss was about. I even got my tissues ready since everyone said it was a tear-jerker. If you haven't watched it, here it is.


Before I launch into my rant let me just say that if you are one of my friends who loved and shared this video, I'm not bashing you. If you liked the video then great, that's why it was made: to show appreciation for mothers. Especially those of us who get to the end of the day and wonder if we've actually accomplished anything while downing an entire sleeve of Oreos. Let's face it, we've all been there.

BUT...

What I didn't like about this video is that it seems to glorify the overly sacrificial, stressed out, harried mother. Now I realize that there are days when we are going to feel like this no matter what, but I don't think this what we should be holding up as a role model. What bothered me about this video is that this woman could have done certain things to reduce the stress in her life. In short, she could have and probably should have said no a few times. Which brings me to my next point.

I think we can all agree that service is good. I've been on both the giving and receiving end of much needed service and I can attest to the spiritual upliftment that comes from it. But as it turns out, too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing. Constantly putting your own needs/wants on the back burner is pretty much a guaranteed fast pass to depression. I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't ever do service, but perhaps that we should try taking a more scaled-back, balanced approach to it. For example the woman in this video could have picked up a pizza for the family with a new baby or taken them a cold casserole and had them bake it. My point is that I don't think we are expected to constantly serve at the expense of our own well-being.

And lastly, in April 2008 M. Russell Ballard spoke to the women of the Church and counseled them not to over-schedule themselves and make sure to take time for themselves. He said,  "Even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children." The whole talk can be found here. Definitely a worthwhile read. After your kids are in bed, of course. And don't forget those Oreo's. :)


p.s. What was your reaction to the video?