Mothering Grace

                                                                                                               (non-relative- but now "family")
I have collected old photos 

of women for a long time.

Discarded, dusty and forlorn 

stashed in boxes in antique stores.

I am always intrigued by the story possibilities 

and wondering about the stories lost over time.

The mothers and the daughters-

love shared and lives entwined.
The stories....

The gift of days spent mothering 

in the face of challenges. 

 Filtering through the heartaches

 with outstretched hands

 to the days of more golden rays.

Loving the littles gathered

 as weeks bring them closer to bigs.

The exploration of a a world yet without words

 but only a point of the finger.

Moving to unceasing conversations 

and questions.

Oh, mothering is so full of grace.

Apologies for harsh words

 and lost tempers.

For moments when a bit of respite

 seems almost selfish.

When one more "tuck-in"

sends you near the edge.

These little copycats

are watching so closely.

 As we laugh and pray

 and sing together.

For all the joy that rocks this generation, 

 and explores the readiness of the next,

there is awe and wonder.

May the Lord grant you

grace beyond measure little mommas,

in days of ease and days of stress.

My blessing is watching the unfolding of 

a story that is part mine and part yours.

For the Lord is good and faithful.

And as the story is lived in your little families,

 may you remember:

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,

 forgiving one another,

 as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Love, 

mom

And today we remember all 

those who have lost mommas,

wanted to be mommas,

 lost little ones, or live with 

significant challenges

for mothering.

May His abundant grace abound in your lives.