A Mother's Prayer

I received this wall plaque as a baby shower gift - twenty plus years ago:

 

"Give me patience for little ones,

A gentle heart and words so kind,

So when each child is grown and thinks of home,

A loving place will come to mind."

Paula's Mini Impressions, CM Paula Company, Cincinnati, OH

 

This prayer had an enormous impact on my mothering, and is partly responsible for the relationship I have with my children, today.

When your children leave home, you will reflect upon the years you had together - the years you can never get back.  I know mothers who are tormented by lost opportunity - knowing they created an environment where their children felt frightened and unloved - and that there is nothing they can do to undo those days, but, I have never heard a mother weep with regret for being kind to her children.

 

Kindness is not weakness. Love your little ones.

 

~ Home and Heart ~