A Mother's Prayer

Oh, give me, the wisdom that I need

To mold the tender lives within my care;

Give me the power that I may subtly lead

Them into righteous fields to settle there.

I ask for them no rainbowed path with ease;

I ask for them no store of wealth or fame;

I only ask that by their lives they please

You and the world with an untarnished name.

I know that man is weak and life is strong,

And sometimes honest roads look very drear,

That winning laurels often takes too long

And luring vistas from all sides appear...

But while I have my young beneath my wing,

God, help me guide them right, in everything.

If I can give you these things I will be content,

And count the days of motherhood

Well enough spent...

Eyes that find beauty in shadows on the wall,

And candlelight at tea time and pear trees fall.

Ears that welcome soft rain Whispering at night,

And wind on the mountain and birds at first light.

A heart that can find comfort in walking alone,

On a tree-grown hillside till grief has flown;

Or that can stand in trouble, as trees in rain,

Lovelier than ever when the light comes again.

Silver I have not,

Not a purse of gold. To buy you soft raiment and jewels to hold,

And the beauty that your heart knows

And your eyes can see will never cost a penny...

It is always free.

Nothing more of motherhood

Shall I demand than to give you ears to hear

And heart to understand.

by Peggy Pond Church

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