Following

"Parents, please don't let your children lean over the railing." Yup. Jeremiah and I would be those parents. While at Disneyland, the boys were tired and we thought that a train ride around the park would be just the diversion to give them a little rest and relaxation. This was Peter's cup of tea. He was happy to sit, ride, and look. Jonathan, on the other hand, got riled up and excited by the train. I saw the sign warning about not letting children look over the railing...but every time I pulled Jonathan back, he started screaming. So, I securely wrapped both arms around him, and let him lean over. That's when the train conductor made the very discreet announcement over the intercom, "Parents, please don't let your children lean over the railing."

Being a parent is so hard. It is so much work. Do some parents out there literally only have easy children? No one else's children were discontent to just sit in the train without breaking the rules. Or, are other parents just more strict with their children?

I feel like I am plenty strict with my boys. You pick your battles. To me, it just seemed easier to hold on to Jonathan so he was safe (which he didn't mind) so that he could pop his head out a little. He was still well within the roof of the train, so I knew he wouldn't get bopped in the head by any obstacles in our path.

One of my favorite stories in the scriptures can be found in John 21:18-23. Jesus alludes to Peter's future (crucifixion similar to His own). Peter then sees Jesus talking to John the beloved. He wants to know what Jesus has been saying to him and what his future will be. He also tries to find out who will betray Jesus. Jesus answers by saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdesdst thyself, and walkedst wither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?"

To me, this story always taught me the importance of not comparing ourselves to others. Not envying others. Not wondering about the lives of others more than our own. I mean, after all, don't we have plenty to occupy our thoughts and guide our actions when it comes to keeping our own lives on track...without worrying about how it compares to the lives of others?

"What is that to thee? Follow thou me."

Isn't that what our main goal should be? We need to focus on Jesus Christ and do our best to follow Him.

To be completely honest, when it comes to envy, that isn't something that I struggle with as much. I tend to be happy for others and the accomplishments, joys, and happiness that comes to them in their lives. Sure, I've had my brushes with jealousy, but it really isn't one of my major hang-ups.

However, during this last trip, I realized another facet to this story. Something that had never occurred to me. What I learned is that when Christ says, "What is that to thee? Follow thou me." He is also referring to what our reaction should be when others are judging us. This is a lesson that is much harder for me.

One of the things that has been the most difficult for me as a mother is to see all of the judging eyes around me. Being at the grocery store and getting looks of disapproval. Being at the zoo when my son decides to say a bunch of naughty words and no matter what I do, I can't get him to stop...and you know it is bad when other kids are giving you looks like, "Can't you control your child?"

Peter is extremely strong-willed and stubborn. Plus, he has no problem voicing his frustrations in public. The most recent frustration is that whenever he is angry or frustrated with us, he shouts (quite loudly, of course), "I hate you!" for everyone around us to hear. I know that he just doesn't understand his emotions and that he really wants to say, "I'm frustrated with you because you wouldn't let me get that candy." I understand that...but the many disapproving eyes around me don't.

It is amazing how many lessons we have to learn in this life. Being a wife and a mother is definitely one way of being put in situations that force you to learn these lessons.

I have a job ahead of me. I realize that in order for me to follow my Savior, I need to be able to disregard the unjust judgments of others.

"What is that to thee? Follow thou me."

If I am following the Lord and doing my best to be a good wife and mother, really, what does it matter what other people think? If I am doing my best to follow the Lord, then I know where I stand with Him. If I am in good standing with the Lord, nothing else matters.