Balm of Gilead

(my mom with my nephew Paxton at 6 months old and Peyton at 15 months)

For the past 7 years, I have heard mom numerous times say about her grandchildren "these babies are my Balm of Gilead".


In my first few overwhelming years of motherhood, it was hard for me to understand how the small children who had completely soaked up every single selfish moment I'd previously had and, from the moment of birth, given me a 24 hour a day full time job.....brought her so much peace. I loved them more than I ever thought possible, but they exhausted me!


But ever since Peyton was born (16 months ago), this saying "Balm of Gilead" has replayed over and over in my mind on many occasions. I think, on some small level, I'm beginning to understand what she meant.


As motherhood has evolved for me (only 6 years now), it has already changed shape numerous times and can sometimes feel quite emotionally complex. Much more so than when the girls were babies. I realize - now - how simple and uncomplicated it is to love a baby. Its a lot of physical work, but it is pure and innocent and untainted. I love my older girls not an ounce less than Peyton, but the simpleness of her hugs and cuddles and giggles and smiles are often what literally gets me through the day. Her pure and simple love is my comfort....my Balm of Gilead.


I often think of the near future....when loving Peyton will become a little more complicated. You know, when she talks back, or disobeys, or needs to learn ethical values, or had friend issues, or persistantly fights. I won't love her less by any means, but there will inevitably be more emotional challenges that will cause me to stretch and grow as a person.


And I may need to find a new Balm of Gilead.


I did some reading on this concept and found two thought provoking articles:


"Life is a school of experience, a time of probation. We learn as we bear our afflictions and live through our heartaches.

It may safely be assumed that no person has ever lived entirely free of suffering and tribulation, nor has there ever been a period in human history that did not have its full share of turmoil, ruin, and misery.

When the pathway of life takes a cruel turn, there is the temptation to ask the question “Why me?” Self-incrimination is a common practice, even when we may have had no control over our difficulty. At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel’s end, no dawn to break the night’s darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea: “Is there no balm in Gilead?” We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone.

To all who so despair, may I offer the assurance found in the psalm: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down with the blows of life, let us remember that others have passed the same way, have endured, and then have overcome."
(Thomas S. Monson 2005)

"Families bring us our greatest joys and sometimes our most wrenching heartaches. Families provide a learning environment, a schoolroom from which we never graduate but can always learn. In our families we learn to appreciate the spiritual peace that comes from applying the principles of charity, of patience, sharing, integrity, kindness, generosity, self-control, and service. These are more than family values; these are the Lord’s way of life.

It’s no news to you that this is no easy job. All forms of the media comment on the fragmentation or even the demise of the family. Economic pressures force families to make difficult choices. We’re pulled in myriad directions, and yet we must hold gospel principles firmly in place. Our efforts may seem unnoticed and unappreciated, but they are worth it. Families are the framework of our lives here and in the eternities. That families are sealed together indicates their central purpose in the Lord’s plan. And women have a key role in the family. We set the tone in our homes; we set the pattern for daily living; we set the standards for how people are treated; we are teacher, counselor, confidante, advocate, supporter, and companion.

In ancient days the balm of Gilead was an aromatic spice used to heal and soothe. Made from a bush or a tree that grew plentifully around Gilead, it was a popularly traded commodity, always in high demand.

At peace with this God-defined direction, [we] can bring this balm of Gilead to troubled times. We have the spiritual resources of faith, hope, and compassion to apply as the balm."

(Elaine L. Jack, 1995)


Do you have a Balm of Gilead?