Posts Tagged ‘motherhood’
Almost Heaven
James doesn’t want to go to Mass. At two and a half he doesn’t want to do most things, even the things he actually does want to do. “I not want to go to CHURCH!” His words start in a growl and end in a scream that echoes down my spine. What do I say…
Read MoreA Prayer for the Mental Load
Come ever-present God and be with me. You alone know and understand all that is before me. Come help me trust in you. Slow my pace to see you; quicken my senses to hear you. Guide my steps to follow you and your ways; let there be a cadence of grace with me. I need…
Read MoreA New Decade Dawns: Celebrating a Child’s Birthday with the Weight of the World
The house is quiet, except for the clothes thumping in the dryer. Everyone is sleeping as we approach the midnight hour. The decorations are up. The friend party has been celebrated, and the family party is next. Cakes are ordered, recipes are chosen, groceries are purchased, gifts are wrapped. In another half hour, our son…
Read MoreA Prayer For The Mothers
A Prayer For The Mothers Who show up to the playground Armed with pretzels and patience Ready for whatever the day brings Unafraid of tantrums or tears Who gently rub sunscreen Onto their children and yours Calling, “Stay where I can see you!” As you sit nursing the baby Who offer an extra diaper When…
Read MoreGrandmothers, Saints, and Group Chats: The Women Who Mother Us Through Motherhood
As a disciple of Jesus and a mother, I am surrounded by a cloud of biblical witnesses who, as mothers like me, lead me to the author and perfecter of faith (cf Hebrews 12:1). An undertaking as momentous as motherhood must be a team sport. Not only is the necessity of community and connection for…
Read MoreLitany for a Mother with Intrusive Thoughts
O Infinite Father, you hold together all things by your word. You are creator of all the living and uphold them in your hand. By your very breath you sustain; You carry humanity. It is a holy and heavy task you have granted me— to care for and raise your littlest and most vulnerable ones, my…
Read MoreMarrow: The Memory in Our Bones
My mother is almost 80 years old. She still remembers her brothers. One dear child she held in her arms. She remembered his face. A beautiful child. He died at three weeks, and though she doesn’t remember why, I suspect it may have been the holes in the shack in which they all lived, an…
Read MoreForget the Highlight Reel: We’ve Got To Go Through It
In a few weeks, the college-aged young adults return home. Some are simply sleeping here for a few nights before making a cameo appearance at the dinner table in between groomsmen duties and friend visits. Another is crashing here for two weeks before a summer-long internship, and another has staked her claim in the empty…
Read MoreThe Rising Dough of Motherhood
One Sunday morning, I woke up motivated. Mass at our parish is at 10:30, and with two toddlers, we can squeeze in almost an entire day before then, so after coffee was poured, muffins were distributed, and grapefruit was segmented, I started to make a loaf of bread to serve with dinner so it could…
Read MoreA Prayer for the Mental Load of Motherhood
God—Perfect Parent, I carry my children—body, mind, heart, emotion, and mind. I carry the privilege of loving them well. I carry the burden of leading them well. When the mental load is tremendous, keep me from trembling. When the fears are many, calm my body systems. When the confusion is heavy, illuminate the next step.…
Read MoreMothers, Daughters, and Their Stories of Courage
I rise before the sun each day, before anyone else in the house wakes. I pour the first cup of hot coffee and grab a blanket to greet the morning on the porch. Beside me lie my Bible, pen and journal, and whatever devotional or book of poetry I’m reading. My spirit is soothed by…
Read MoreStill, Slow, Stoke, Save My Anger
Still my anger, Lord over milk spilled toothpaste wasted urine everywhere but the toilet Slow my anger, Lord when I am constantly interrupted my plans are thwarted my children misbehave and I feel embarrassed when I go without sleep without food without a moment of quiet Stoke my anger, Lord when children go without food,…
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