Individual and Together at the Same Time

In this week’s reading there was a quote from M. Russell Ballard that stated, “Both men and women are to serve their families and others, but the specific ways in which they do so are sometimes different.” (Ballard, 1997, p 56) We are told this many times as we grow up. It has become even more apparent as I’ve since gotten married and get to live through these differences daily.

Elder Ballard further explains the roles of husbands and fathers by sharing, “For example, God has revealed through His prophets that men are to receive the priesthood, to become fathers, and with gentleness and pure, unfeigned love to lead and nurture their families in righteousness, taking for their pattern the way the Savior leads the Church. Men have also been given the primary responsibility for providing for the temporal and physical needs of the family.” (Ballard, 1997, p 56) My husband is a wonderful example of this quote. He fulfills his primary responsibility of “providing for the temporal and physical needs of the family” with the utmost exactness. He has always made it a point to make sure that we are taken care of and have no need to worry for both our present and future times.

Elder Ballard’s direction for wives and mothers is, “Women have the ability to bring children into the world and have been given the primary role and opportunity to lead, nurture, and teach their little ones in a loving, safe, and spiritual environment.” (Ballard, 1997, p 56) I’m grateful for the opportunity to “lead, nurture, and teach” my little ones. I have been able to feel the powerful guidance from our loving Heavenly Father as I’ve done this task asked of me. I enjoy being a wife and mother.

His quote ended perfectly with the combining of the joint roles of both as spouses and parents, to be done together. He finished with, “In this divinely sanctioned partnership, husband and wives work together, each bringing his or her unique contribution to the family. Such a couple provide the children born to their union a home where they can be fully nurtured by both a mother and a father. By appointing different accountabilities to men and women, Heavenly Father provides the greatest opportunity for growth, service, and progress.” (Ballard, 1997, p 56) I have learned over these past 15 years that in order for a marriage to work the “unique contribution” from each spouse is important. I’m grateful for all the ups and downs we’ve had to learn how our contributions work well together. There has been great “growth, service, and progress” as my husband and I have worked together to raise our children. I’m grateful for eternal families.

Ballard, M. R. (1997). Counseling with Our Councils. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.