When you describe the craziest-coolest-most-awesome Lego spaceship ever…
I will listen and mirror the wonder in your face.
When the questions you ask seem to have no end…
I’ll help you make sense of it all instead of shush-ing you away.
When you go off imagining you are hiding from pirate ships…
I might just join in and be your shipmate.
When you sing the first four words to your favorite tune over and over again…
I will teach you the rest of the song.
When you serve up green playdoh noodles…
I won’t placate you with an obligatory “nibble.” I’ll tuck a napkin under my chin and ask for more.
When you’re in need of correction and training…
I will not say in one word (“Stop!”) what I should explain with several.
When you want a friend…
I will teach you how to be a friend by example.
When you want to help with dishes, dusting, and vacuuming…
I will remember that your willingness is a joy and not a hinderance.
When you wonder what I care about the most…
I’ll show you the Gospel in actions and words.
When I’m weary and motherhood seems too big a task…
your little hand in mine will remind me the clock’s ticking.
When you lay your head down tonight…
I pray you’ll remember and know with assurance…
…I chose what was best,
…I counted the cost,
…to not squander this day of motherhood, but to be all here.
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*tear* this is beautiful. what joy these boys will know under your instruction and example! xo
Thank you, Libby.
amen. AMEN.
powerful encouragement here, friend.
thank you xo
I’m so under construction, Hannah! Pray for me to walk in wisdom!
That was really pretty. Better than poetry and much needed. Thanks!
You’re so kind, Noelle. Be encouraged today!
Very beautiful and a good reminder for these long days/short years.
Jenny–I so get that right now: long days/short years!
Wow! Thank you so much for the reminder:) I’m going to hang it on my bathroom mirror!
You are so welcome, Amber!
Thanks, Ruth. Read this while trying to stay awake during a 4 a.m. feeding. Much encouraged. =)
I like what you said in response to another’s comment…you are still “under construction”…that is true in my life as well! Yesterday, I was struggling with motherhood and this AM, I woke up to find this…God knew. Thanks for being used of Him to help encourage me to stay strong in the calling He’s given me. Thank you.
That encourages me so, Michelle! It is comforting to know we are not alone, as we strive to live out our callings in obedience and thankfulness.
Thank you for this great reminder. It’s great to be a part of “The Glory Years”, isn’t it?! Thanks for sharing this with us!
You’re very welcome, Karilee! Sometimes it doen’t feel so glorious when we feel stretched, but the glory lies in the transformation that God does in our children AND us, as we faithfully trust him to lead us in the work of motherhood!
I’m going to chalk it up to pregnancy hormones because I’m sobbing as I type this. What a lovely blessing and reminder of what my role is. And also, to face it with courage and grace – especially since I will go from one, in the form of an inquisitive, sensitive toddler boy, to two boys.
Oh Darcy, the Lord ministers to our hearts continually, but especially in our times of need. Boys are precious (I’m biased!)…blessings to you!
We’re moving this week which has meant too much work and so many boxes. Pawning the kids off on others and sending them to start “another show.” I”m hurting from the lack of “being there” with them. I took just a moment to sit down at the computer and am so glad I read this short and lovely post. It reminded me that I am this mother who sits and is and listens. This week is my exception, not my rule. And there is grace.
Thank you.
Absolutely, Wendy! There is grace for all the seasons of life that don’t go exactly what our ideal is. I pray you will have rest and peace in your heart in this time of transition!
I am right there with you girl. Love the honesty and encouragement.
Thank you! This is beautiful!
So true and so hard to do sometimes! Thanks for such a gracious reminder.
AMEN (from a reality of “ouch”). Thanks for the encouragement my friend.
Wish this could be plastered to my forehead when I am about to take the “easy way out” of mothering. Thanks for reminding me!
Well said, Ruth! As a mom of six I can so relate to feeling overwhelmed and weary. Even though my nest is pretty much empty now, a mom never forgets those long nights up with the babies and long days praying for the teenager who is out “getting his testimony.”
So often it helps to just read a statement of intent over and over again to keep us headed in the right direction with the Lord and to keep His heart as the foundation of our actions. Your manifesto is beautifully worded and full of truth. Thanks for sharing it.
I’m printing this, making copies, and passing it out at our next women’s meeting. (With a link to your site, of course.)