An unexpected lesson

I decided to go ahead and clean the bathrooms tonight(after a conversation with my sister-in-law). I actually started with the kitchen floor and made my way to the bathrooms. I do feel so much better now that they are done. Every time I clean the before mentioned places I think, "How did I let it get this bad? I should do this more often, so it's not so hard or disgusting." However, every time I think about cleaning them I cringe. If I could pay a maid to clean anything in my house it would be the kitchen floor and the bathrooms.
So, needless to say I didn't exactly enjoy myself this evening. But, I did have at least an hour(and I mean at least) to myself to think while I worked. I thought of all the things that my girls need from me that they don't get. I thought of my short temper and the gently voice I hear other mothers giving their children. I thought of my skillful "couch parenting" now that Cailyn can help so much. I thought of all the creative ways that other parents cook so their children will eat veggies(or a well balanced meal). I thought of other mothers who actually cook everyday. I thought of other mothers who do almost everything by themselves because their husbands are gone so much. I thought of all the crafts and outings that my girls are missing out on. I thought of other mothers who keep their house clean and tidy 24/7.
Then, a gentle yet powerful thought came into my mind. Cailyn and Jessica were entrusted to me, specifically me, for a reason. I have the ability to give them what they truly need. Yes, I have shortcomings that I need to work to overcome, but if I or the girls couldn't make it in this family then the Lord wouldn't have trusted me with their mortal life.
I know that I can do more for the girls. I know that if I look to the example of parenting that I have received in my life(and follow it), both temporal and spiritual, then I will be exactly what my children need me to be.
I began thinking about how the Lord taught me tonight. He first allowed me to think of all the things that I could do better, to think of specific examples in my life of others doing what I want my girls to have, and THEN he comforted me. He impressed upon me, "Yes, I need to improve, and Yes, I CAN improve" in that oh so gently way that only my Heavenly Father and the Spirit can. He didn't tell me that what I am right now will be alright, because that would be false. He and I both know that I need to grow and that comes from constantly working and stretching my abilities. If anyone else had told me that, I would have been almost instantly depressed or overwhelmed. However, because the Lord took the time to teach me, and I was willing to listen, I feel empowered to improve.
I know even more now after tonight that my Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of me constantly. What a simple and strong lesson he taught me tonight in a gentle way that I am trying to emulate with my children.