A Poem For All You Mothers

When I was expecting my first child, my Grandma sent me a book called, "Merely Mothering and Other Myths" by Janet Jensen and Gayle Peterson. In it she wrote this advice, "Lift out of it what you can use and leave the rest." Now I haven't ever read it all cover to cover, but I have read this poem that was published in the front of it over and over throughout the years. So Enjoy and I wish you all a VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Encounter

By Ellen Bryson Remington

A learned friend from time gone by

When my pursuits were intellectual

Crossed my path today; and glancing

Quickly at my rounded middle,

Noting the smudges there from little hands,

The wrinkles, too, from childish tears,

He asked, "What are you into now?"

I wish I could have made him understand,

"I'm into graphic arts-a type

Advanced beyond the popular conception.

I deal in shapes so intricate, so exquisite

That in this life I'll never know their limits."

I thought how everyday I shape so many things:

I shape the edges of a pie,

I shape a diaper to tiny legs,

I shape some flowers from our small backyard

The covers on a bed until they are

Soft and welcoming.

I shape small hands around a ball

And show them how to throw.

But also with my mind and with my love

I shape the tense and troubled hours;

I take them formless, dark, and shape them

Into light and warmth for spirits' growing.

I guide a pliant, loving mind

Now fresh and good from God,

I try to show him things our Savior would.

I shape the design of his temperament,

The pattern of his moods,

I shape desires in his heart

Of this world and another.

And now in me another life is shaped-

The way he'll look and stand,

The contours of his hands-

And God is partner in shaping.

Let those who do not understand

Think I'm lost in Merely Mothering.

I smile-and shape my daily chores

Into Eternal Joy.

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THANK YOU MOM! For all your love, support, guidance and

well....... EVERYTHING!

I LOVE YOU!