So according to the Proclamation on the Family and what we've been discussing in class, the job description of a husband and father can be generally summed up in three 'P' words: preside, provide, and protect. They are to preside over the family as the priesthood holder in the home as an equal partner to their wife. They are to provide for their wife and children's physical and spiritual needs. And they are to protect their family against any harm. These seem like very important and helpful things to do for the family.
Then we talked about what the wife and mother's role is and it was summed up in one word: nurturing. At first I was a little disappointed. How come we only get one word when the guys have three things they get to do? How come what we should do seems so much less important than the male's responsibilities?
After I thought about it a little longer, I realized how mistaken I was. Nurturing is so important. For example, how many complexes and mental and physical problems stem from lack of nurturing in the home. It is so essential that everyone feels loved. If you don't feel love in the home, you'll probably look for it somewhere else; since being loved is one of the most necessary things in this world. If you go looking for it somewhere else, it may be easier for others to take advantage of the fact that you've been denied that need. It is so essential, also, to be taught good principles in the home. If you learn the value of work, learning, and personal growth at a young age, you'll be able to develop a lot further in your later years.
Nurturing is a divine quality. It is naturally given abundantly to women. Women, in the most part, have an innate desire to help and care for others. That's why it's the only, but still significantly important, qualities of a wife and mother.
One other thing that really struck me from our class discussions was the purpose behind getting married. Truthfully, I have always felt that one of the main reasons I wanted to get married was because I think it will help to make me happy; I believe most people share this idea. Now, don't get me wrong, I am happy now and I'm not married yet, but I think that taking part in a marriage commitment would definitely add to my happiness. But here's the problem: I think I focus too much on how it will benefit me. What if I got married in order to make someone else happy? What if my goal in getting married was in order to ensure that the person I love more than anyone else will be as happy as I can possible make him?
I think that this is a much better perspective on marriage, especially if both spouses have it as a goal. If both people in a marriage are trying their best to make the other person happy, not only will you be happy because of your spouse's efforts, but this happiness will be multiplied due to being around someone who is also happy because of your efforts for them. I hope this all makes sense and that you understand what a break through this was for me. I had just never thought of marriage this way before.

Tags: Marriage Roles The Family Nurturing Motherhood Happiness Growth