A mother’s prayer

As you watch your oldest daughter walk ahead of you, you start to think about how the older she gets, the more you start seeing pieces of yourself in her. Some of the pieces are smooth and beautiful like the way she still brings you flowers just as you bring her meal after meal. But sometimes the pieces are imperfect, rough shards. And yet, your child remains lovable in your eyes. She is human, of course. Like you, she isn’t always likable, but she’s always, always deserving of love. It is this realization that makes it easier to love yourself and to remember that Christ sees the good in all of us.

She skips ahead to chase a bird. And you think of the birds in the air. “They do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet [the] heavenly father feeds them.” Your child is so much more valuable to God than any bird.

Later that evening you find her asleep. You see the angel in her now, and you have no doubt she is a gift from heaven.

Your children are God’s children. And so are you. You belong to God and are loved best and most by Him.  God has entrusted you to raise and love your children. At times it’s daunting to have your child’s well-being placed in your care. But with God’s as your helpmate, you’re up to the task. You kiss your child on the forehead. Her eyelashes flutter, she sighs softly, and as she sleeps you whisper a prayer: “Lord, I hand my child over to you. You are her true parent and I’m only a guardian. Help me to love her the best I can when I falter (again and again), please fill in the gaps. Amen.”

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I’ll be speaking about Holy Week and Easter during my monthly radio gig on Relevant Radio. Hope some of you can tune in tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. EST!