Happy early Mother’s Day to every single one of you mamas! In honor of the upcoming weekend, I wanted to pass along this beautiful passage written by my own Mother Goddess, which she shared recently in a speaking engagement. I’ve shared guest posts by her before, here and here. Her strength, wisdom and grace never fail to shine through her words. I’m privileged to call her my mom, my role model, my friend. So much love to you all!
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I Corinthians 13 for Moms
by Rhonda Beylik
Though I have a spotless house and everything in its place,
If I don’t have love, it’s just a house and not a home.
If I lose all my baby weight and slip easily into my pre-pregnancy clothes,
And don’t have love, I’m just a skinny mom without an ample lap to snuggle in.
If I take my kids to dance, gymnastics, art class and karate,
But don’t have love,
I’m just a taxi driver delivering over-scheduled kids.
If I throw the best themed birthday parties, and feed my kids NON-GMO, organic, gluten-free, sugar-free foods,
Without love, their bellies are full, but their hearts are empty.
Love laughs when there’s a spill, or holes in brand new tights.
Love wipes the tears of a broken heart, and forgives the mess of a broken lamp.
Love is not jealous when other kids are potty trained at 2,
and never throw tantrums in public, and sleep through the night.
Love rejoices in the triumphs of any mom giving it her all.
Love is not prideful when their child is sweet and compliant,
and does not look down in judgment
on a mom letting her child watch an iPad in a restaurant,
or wear a Halloween costume in February.
For love is merciful and takes no notice of wrongs.
Love doesn’t demand its own way, and will eat pizza instead of filet mignon.
Love will forgo a date night for a dance recital or talent show;
Love will surrender sleep for a teething baby, a slumber party,
or waiting for a teen driver to come home safely.
Love doesn’t notice the spit-up on her clothing, the smears on the windows,
or fingerprints on the walls,
But gives thanks for those reminders of the cherubs in her care.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, believes the best for every child—
No matter how naughty they may be.
Love endures every stage of life, from pregnancy to adulthood,
with grace and confidence.
Though naptimes will cease, and homework increase,
Love will never fail.
When I was childless, I thought I knew it all,
but when I gave birth, I gave up childless ways,
and learned to depend on Him for all wisdom and strength.
At the end of my days when my children are raised
The thing they’ll remember:
is love.