As I stood adding yet another load of dirty clothes to my trusty twenty-year-old washing machine, I heard a loud pop over my head, immediately followed by a flash of bright light. Then all was suddenly dark in my tiny laundry room.

Weeks ago, I had noticed the light seemed dimmer. In fact, I vaguely remembered having two similar experiences with popping light bulbs while working in that room. But I quickly dismissed them because I could still manage on the remaining light.

I knew that replenishing any one of the three bulbs in my light fixture would require a ladder, a bulb, effort, and time on my part. “I’ll just do it later,” I thought to myself as I decidedly adjusted to the lower levels of light.

While musing on this seemingly insignificant event, I have developed a simple analogy to which most women – especially mothers – might relate. I speak of gradual dimming.

Each one of us starts out as a bright and glowing young child – hopeful, optimistic, and believing. But, over the course of our lives, we each encounter “light-bursting” experiences – defining moments where we either chose to replenish our lights, or simply to live on less.

During these moments we may become tempted to rationalize, “It takes so much energy to replenish my light and I simply don’t have the time right now,” as the increasing darkness, being ever so gradual, becomes our new normal.

But without constantly replenishing our own light supply, over time our spirits unquestionably dim and we may sadly find ourselves feeling our way through the darkness of confusion and discouragement. We owe it to ourselves, to our families, and to all those who depend upon our light, to protect and care for this most precious asset.

So this Mother’s Day, if you’re experiencing the gradual dimming we each feel from time to time, resolve to gather your figurative ladders, bulbs, and courage by replenishing your spiritual light through daily prayer, mediation, and scripture study.

If we are willing to make the effort, I am confident we will each be flooded with an increased appreciation and love for of the Light of the World, our friend and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” (D&C 50:23–24)