Although parenting is hard work, it is made a little easier with the gospel, said Joselyn Akana, the 2009 Young Mother of the Year from Hawaii.
Sister Akana was introduced to the gospel 11 years ago by her now-husband, Brandyn. After learning about the gospel, she said her perspective changed and her priorities shifted; becoming a wife and mother was now more important to her than continuing her career as a volleyball player. Her altered life plan has paid off, she said, and she considers motherhood to be the highest calling.
"I think of it as being a privilege and a gift," she said. Thinking of motherhood as such often helps mothers take better care of their children and enjoy it more, she noted.
The Akanas have three children: Braelyn, 9; Keonilei, 7; and Tausilinu'u, 5. When Braelyn turned 9, Brother Akana remarked that half of the child's time at home was over. Sister Akana said she wondered if she was teaching her daughter enough to be able to care for herself and make good choices when she was grown. Sister Akana said the gospel helps in this, both with the peace it brings and the perspective that it gives.
"It helps me when I have the gospel to anchor me in the caring of my family," she said. "I'm so fortunate to have the gospel helping me."
The gospel reminds her of what is most important, as well as giving her patience and helping her to speak with more love when she might be upset. She said it is important in mothering to consider what a mother should look and sound like. The key to motherhood, she said, is having patience and relying on the gospel for guidance.
"It's a tough job but someone's got to do it," she said. "If I don't, someone else will step up to the plate."
