“The Lord has told us to multiply and replenish the earth that we might have joy in our posterity, and there is no greater joy than the joy that comes of happy children in good families.” Gordon B Hinckley

As I spent precious time with a few of my adult children, and my youngest daughter, this week, the phrase “joy in my posterity” came to my mind frequently. Every mother knows no matter what heartache or pain we suffer because of our love for our children, the joy they bring us outweighs it all. Last week I wrote about opposition, and in parenting, it’s unmistakable. Indeed, our hearts are so tied to our children, and their children—our posterity—that we often wonder if we will survive the sad parts, until those precious moments with them when we’re blessed with sublime joy.

The world we live in now rarely honors motherhood.  When we have large families, we’re not commended and revered, but most often, are mocked and persecuted. As the mother of seven, I’ve heard more rude comments than I care to share. Sadly, sometimes even within the close circle of family and friends, I’ve faced judgement and negativity about welcoming children—precious spirits—into my body, my heart, my home. That hurt, I’m not going to deny it, but I always knew each one of my children was a treasure sent to me by a loving Father in Heaven and welcomed them with all my heart. Even then, however, having seven children wasn’t easy; sometimes only the grace of my Savior got me through difficult and painful times. When I didn’t think I could carry the weight of responsibility for all these priceless souls, when I felt I was failing them and I wasn’t enough, Heavenly Father would provide a heavenly, joyful moment, whose beauty lifted me above my worldly cares and reminded me that eternity is what it’s all about.

“The greatest mission of woman is to give life, earth-life, through honorable marriage, to the waiting spirits, our Father’s spirit children who anxiously desire to come to dwell here in this mortal state. All the honor and glory that can come to men or women by the development of their talents, the homage and the praise they may receive from an applauding world, worshipping at their shrine of genius, is but a dim thing whose luster shall fade in comparison to the high honor, the eternal glory, the ever-enduring happiness that shall come to the woman who fulfills the first great duty and mission that devolves upon her to become the mother of the sons and daughters of God.” Melvin J. Ballard

In a birthday letter to my amazing daughter, I shared with her how much seeing her valiant efforts to do what’s right and to care for her young and growing family, blesses me to recognize my own similar efforts, many years ago, and helps me see myself in the loving, admiring way I see her. Her willingness to have children, even when it’s astonishingly difficult, and despite worldly criticism, humbles me and brings me such joy, through wonderful grandchildren who light up my life.

Most of the truly joyful moments in my life have been because of my children—feeling new life stirring inside me for the first time, holding them in my arms when they’re born, hearing them say, “I love you, Mom.” With most of my children now grown, I’m blessed with joy as I watch my youngest daughter sing her heart out, attend the temple for baptisms, and (even though she’s almost all grown up) sit and snuggle with her mom. I cherish tender, happy moments with my children, at graduations, marriages, and births of babies. I’ve even felt joy during the heartbreaking moments, because we were bearing those burdens together.

“The Savior taught that we should not lay up treasures on earth but should lay up treasures in heaven. In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.” Elder Dallin H. Oaks

This Thanksgiving week was filled with joyful family time. One evening, several of my children were home with me, around the table, laughing, telling stories, and playing games. Long after dinner was over, we lingered, feeling happy and blessed to be together. We also enjoyed an outing, riding in the car, visiting, remembering, sharing, and laughing. One afternoon, I joyfully sat and listened to my son play the piano, feeling a tender, powerful connection with him as he shared his soul with his passion and talent for music.  I also had the opportunity to talk, heart-to-heart, with this same man—this once small boy of mine—as he comforted me and gave me a Priesthood blessing.

My children continue to bring me joy, comfort, strength, and treasured friendship.  They are my favorite humans—interesting, intelligent, sensitive, courageous, strong, funny people. They’ve taught me, and continue to teach me every single day, about our gifts of individuality and uniqueness as children of God. This week we made memories I’ll always cherish. Perhaps memories are one of the most powerful ways we feel the joy of our posterity; when they can’t be with us all the time, we replay those moments and relive the joy, until the sweet time we are together again, adding to our store of precious family memories.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: … Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. …” Psalms 127:3, 5