THEY SAY IN THEY MAGAZINE THAT “RE-ENTRY IS A WITCH.” (or other choice words)
Re-entering family life and the reality of the day to day grind after time off or vacation can be difficult. For me, even after a night off with girlfriends, or a full day off from mothering, I can have re-entry issues.
Because… I NEVER KNOW when I walk through the door what awaits me.
This weekend Chris and I GET TO run away for 48 hours!! We are celebrating 20 years of wedded bliss and going to Los Olivos. Wine tasting. We may never return… Of course we will.
And when we return, I will pray this prayer:
Dear God,
Before I enter this home that You have given me, and rejoin family life,
please cover me with infinite peace and patience.
I do not know what I am walking into, but I know you have given me the grace to be the best mother I can be.
May I come in with heart and mind focused on right now: their needs, their hearts, their hurts, their curiosities.
May I see them as You see them.
May I recognize the gifts they are to me. To the world.
May I love them unconditionally.
Help me not to be a task master so much but be a love master.
Not a wimpy, wishy-washy mom, though, without boundaries or expectations.
But DO help my expectations to be realistic, fair, reasonable.
Let not my perfectionism peek up, perk up or get the best of me.
Help me to BE and not just to DO.
Release me from worries and lists and the tyranny-of-the-supposedly-urgent.
Help me to seek wonder and take notice of tiny beautiful moments or words.
When tensions run high, let me exude peace and wisdom.
May I not get on the emotional rollercoasters of tantrum-ing kids,
Nor stoop to reactions that are immature or Saturday Night Live sketch-worthy.
May I find humor in the chaos and foolishness of children.
May I spark laughter and start dance parties as needed.
Help me to have eyes to really see between the lines of snappy attitudes, moodiness or sarcasm.
May I just be silent and prayerful when my child is sharing and opening up; to offer support instead of jumping in with solutions.
Again, as I walk through this door, cover me with calm and joy.
May gratitude for my life and the beautiful family you’ve given me overshadow any stressors or tensions within.
As some wise sage said, “Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.” And I mean it, Lord.
May this mama be your vessel of love and wisdom.
Amen.
#wearebravetogether
Michelle Hanrahan says
Jessica-Many thanks for offering leadership to all of us who can identify with your beautiful prayer and may God bless your efforts in WABT!
Happy 20th too! 🎁
Heidi Cunningham says
Happy Anniversary Patays!!
Your poem is beautiful. I am printing it out and pasting it on my wall to read every day!!!
Thank you!
Carla Puky says
Beautiful and touching as always! XOXO
Tina Quinn says
Happy Anniversary Jessica! Hope it was amazing. Love this prayer. Good for all of us. xoxo
Julie Casey says
I think I need to print this out and say this prayer everyday…maybe several times a day.
Violette Beshay says
Loved reading this…it resonates so well with …
Happy Anniversary Jessica!!!
Debby says
Happy 20th Anniversary, Jessica!
Kelly Luna says
So beautiful…..I have tears! I’ve been there…..and will be there again, and again, and again! Your prayer reminds me of something God revealed to me years ago. He has placed these beautiful children with us and He doesn’t make mistakes. He equipped us with everything we would need to succeed at raising these beautiful children….but……we would need to change a little (or a lot) in order to be the blessing and the support that they would need. We aren’t allowed to stay the same. And the most important reason why…….because our children are worth it!! I’m printing this prayer and tucking it in my purse so that I can pray it before I re-enter!