"Prayer"-enting

For the lesson portion of our FHE last night we watched and discussed this video. We had both seen it before, but watching it again through our new found "mom and dad" eyes, it took on a new light. I could feel my own heart begin to race as that frantic mother searched for the train that held her children. We could taste the fear, anguish and urgency that she was undoubtedly feeling, and then the overwhelming sense of relief as she was reunited with her kids.

My favorite part was when she fell to the ground crying, in that moment of absolute helplessness and hopelessness, she remembered her Father in Heaven. She pleaded with him for help... and then she got up and RAN! It was as if she put all control in her Heavenly Father and followed her prompting instantly and with every amount of faith she could muster.

Anyways... it got me thinking about how blessed I am as a mother to know that at anytime and anyplace, I can turn to my Father in Heaven for help. I know I've only been a mom for a few months, but I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father has helped me to watch over Hallie. I've felt His promptings and reassurance countless times.

 Though I've yet to have an experience as drastic as this one, I find myself whispering little prayers throughout the day to help me through parenthood.

• I pray when I'm in the shower, asking that Hallie will be safe and happy until I get out. 
• I pray when I leave her with a babysitter. 
• I pray when its 3am and Hallie is wide-awake that He will help her to fall back asleep. 
• I pray when an ill stranger comes up and touches Hallie's hands and face, and ask that she doesn't get sick.
• I pray when Hallie IS sick, to know how to best treat and care for her.
• I pray when Hallie is fussy and we just can't figure out why.
• I pray when we are in a church or housing meeting that requires a happy and quiet baby.
• I pray when we are preparing to go on a long car ride, that Hallie will be happy.
• I pray for patience... daily.
• I pray for mine and Eric's health so that we can care for Hallie.
• I pray when I have TONS of work to do, that Hallie will be able to entertain herself.
• I pray when Hallie is teething.
• I pray that Eric and I are showing enough love to Hallie and each other.
• I pray that Eric and I will be prepared for whatever challenges come our way. 

The list goes on and on and on. I know it probably sounds like I'm just a new, worry-wart, first-time mom, but it's exactly the opposite. Each time I pray, my fears and worries are replaced with hope and peace.  I wake up feeling hope and peace and am able to continue throughout my day with that knowledge that even though I'm home alone with a baby, I've got an instant life-line I can use anytime and anyplace. That in and of it self, makes my job 100x easier.