I know I write about my experiences as a mom a lot, but it's what I do every day! It is the most important part of my life right now, and also the most significant source of lessons that I am learning daily. Being a parent in an of itself is a tender mercy of the Lord. The fact that I have this opportunity to do what He does, on a much smaller scale, is a miracle! I feel like it gives me small glimpses into what our Father in Heaven must feel, and that makes me want to be better.

In the scriptures we learn that when we serve others, we are serving God.

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.: ~Mosiah 2:17

I have always understood that it pleases our Father in Heaven when we are kind to one another, and is hurtful to Him when we are unkind to others. I feel, however, that being a parent has given me a whole new understanding of this scripture. This understanding has been a miracle in my life because it has changed how I interact with the people around me.

When someone else does something nice for my daughter, I feel as though they have done something nice for me as well. When someone does something to make her feel happy, it makes me happy too! It uplifts me to see others taking care of her and loving her. We haven't had any experiences yet where someone has been unkind to her, but I am sure that they will come. When they do come, I can only imagine that in these moments I will mourn with her as well. Because of the bond that comes from being a parent, my heart is tied to hers in ways that I simply cannot explain or describe. As a result of this, her emotions are mirrored in my own heart.

I am not claiming to know how God must feel, because He works on a much more grand scale than I do at this time. I do, however, I feel like my experience as a mother has given me a little window of insight into how He must feel. When I am kind to someone else, that warm feeling of the Spirit that follows is a confirmation to me that I have pleased my Father in Heaven. Our actions are not limited to the eyes or hearts of those around us, but they reach heavenward and touch our Heavenly Father.

Just as we love our own children, He loves us! I know that just as it makes me happy when someone is kind to my child, it reaches Him and brings Him happiness when we are kind to one of His children. Every day, everyone that surrounds us is one of His children! Not only that, but everyone who surrounds us is also someone's baby. I would hope that others will always be kind and helpful to my baby, and I pray that I can be the same blessing for others' babies as well.

I am grateful for this merciful insight because it has lifted my spirits and made me want to be a better person. I feel like the greatest service anyone can do for me is serving those that I love most - my family. I know that the greatest service that we can give to my Father in Heaven is serving His family members that are here on earth with us.