A Mother's Prayer

I have been doing a lot of thinking and contemplating lately about being the mother of 2 three year olds. I am trying not to worry about it and how we will all adjust because I know without a doubt that these children are part of God's plan for our lives. This last year has been an interesting year for me as I have adjusted to being a stay at home mom to a very active and lively toddler. I am glad that I have had these months with Annalynn and I am excited about the prospect of adding AJ to our family very soon. I know that at times it will not be easy - there will be huge changes for all of us - but ultimately I know it will be one of the two most important things we have done with our lives - the other one of course, adding Annalynn to our family.

I read this last night and realized it really summed up the prayer of my heart for my children.

This is from the book Stories for the Heart - The Third Collection compiled by Alice Gray and Barbara Baumgardner

A Mother’s Prayer
Marguerite Kelly from The Mother’s Almanac

Help me give my children the best - not of trappings or toys, but of myself, cherishing them on good days and bad, theirs and mine.
Teach me to accept them for who they are, not for what they do; to listen to what they say, if only so they will listen to me; to encourage their goals, not mine; and please let me laugh with them and be silly.
Let me give them a home where respect is the cornerstone, integrity the foundation, and there is enough happiness to raise the roof.
May I give them courage to be true to themselves; the independence to take care of themselves and the faith to believe in a power much greater than their own.
See that I discipline my children without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting my own and let them know they have limitless love, no matter what they do.
Let me feed them properly, clothe them adequately and have enough to give them small allowances - not for the work they do but for the pleasure they bring - and let me be moderate in all things, so the joy of getting will help them discover the joy of giving.
See that their responsibilities are real but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not overwhelming, and that my thanks and praise are thoughtful and given when they’re due.
Help me teach them that excellence is work’s real reward, and not the glory it brings. But when it comes - and it will - let them revel in each honor, however small, without once pretending that it’s mine; my children are glories enough.
Above all, let me ground these children so well that I can dare to let them go.
And may they be so blessed.