My three children have been on my mind all day today. Ever had a day like that? A day when something or someone just stays in your thoughts and heart hour after hour? I think what started it all was a photograph I found of Paul as a cute, smiling little kindergartner. Since it was already framed, I set it on a dresser in the guest room, and I enjoyed looking at it while ironing some work duds this morning. On the refrigerator, I have two photographs of my lovely daughters when they were about 8 and 5. They’re so adorable!! Really, they are. They’re standing in front of a table at their grandmother’s house in their “jelly shoes” and fancy Easter dresses.
These images of the children when they were small reminded me yet again of the fleeting passage of time and of how dear they are to me. The fact that we don’t talk or see each other every day doesn’t diminish the deep love I feel for them, and for some reason(s), I just felt like reminding them.
One day many moons ago I came across a little prayer in a book by Marian Edelman entitled Guide My Feet. I’m paraphrasing so I might get it a little wrong, but the sentiment is there. “Lord, Thank you for the blessing of these children. Please bless them in their coming and going and thinking and doing.” In the past, I’d often say, “Coming and going and thinking and doing,” and they’d know immediately what I meant. I don’t say it to them so often these days, but those words and others are my constant prayer.
Since I’ve probably already embarrassed the heck out of them, I might as well go ahead and tell them what marvelous human beings they are and how proud I am of their many talents, perseverance, integrity, sense of responsibility, and good choices. They all “have their heads on straight,” and they all know where to go for guidance and answers to life’s questions.
Want specifics? I’ll leave that for another day. For now, I’ll just say I love the responsible and righteous way they’re living their lives. Carrie has her hands and heart full as a young mother, Elizabeth is busy with teaching and completing the final courses towards her Master’s, and Paul is adjusting to life as a husband, graduate student, and juggler of two jobs.
Hey, you three: coming and going and thinking and doing.
mom's musings 
There's nothing like a momma's love. Like the prayer!You're so right about the momma's love!
I love seeing the precious relationship you share with your kids! I was going to say that I hope to be so luck one day down the road when my kids are grown, but the reality is that luck has nothing to do with it. You have nourished it through the years and now are enjoying the fruits – thank you for being such an example to those of us who are still in the “new mom” phase.
Thanks for the sweet comments. I was not the perfect mother (who is???), but I KNOW that my children all know that they're loved by both of their parents.Aw! I want to feel that way about my kids one day. 🙂
You will. I feel it in my bones.