When the Handwriting On the Wall is in Brown Crayon by Susan L. Lenzkes
Though I lecture and harp at my children and have not love, I will be background noise to rebellious thoughts.
And though I wisely warn them not to use the street as a playground, or they'll be killed; and though I patiently explain why snails live in mobile homes, and I give endless answers to life's other mysteries; and though I have faith that can remove mountains of ignorance - yet never hug my children - I have taught nothing.
And though I slave over a steaming stove with balanced diets and complicated recipes and even burn my fingers - yet never smile as I serve -
I have not really fed them.
A truly loving mother suffers through unfinished sentences, clutter, nicks on furniture, sleepless nights and adolescent insults, and is kind enough to think her kids are the greatest.
A loving mother tries not to resent her children for being free like she used to be, and she doesn't brag about how she never talked to her mom that way.
Real love considers a childish nightmare more urgent than her need for sleep; is not shattered by the title "Meanest Mom"; doesn't shame a toddler who breaks training or a teen who still spills milk; steadfastly refuses to entertain visions of escape; and does not smirk as her child trips over the toy he refused to put away (but with silent wisdom rejoices in the effective lessons of experience).
Mother love has arms strong from lifting, a heart large with believing,
a mind stretched with hoping, shoulders soft with enduring and knees bent with committing. True mother-love never fails to point her child to the Author of Love.
These encouraging thoughts are via sweet Bobbi at MomE & Loving It.
(Go say Hi!)
Related
• Take a minute to check out Susan L. Lenzkes' book, When the Handwriting on the Wall is Brown Crayon: Encouraging Devotions for Busy Homemakers.
• Also, join Barbara H. at Stray Thoughts for her Monday meme, The Week in Words.
Though I lecture and harp at my children and have not love, I will be background noise to rebellious thoughts.
And though I wisely warn them not to use the street as a playground, or they'll be killed; and though I patiently explain why snails live in mobile homes, and I give endless answers to life's other mysteries; and though I have faith that can remove mountains of ignorance - yet never hug my children - I have taught nothing.
And though I slave over a steaming stove with balanced diets and complicated recipes and even burn my fingers - yet never smile as I serve -
I have not really fed them.
A truly loving mother suffers through unfinished sentences, clutter, nicks on furniture, sleepless nights and adolescent insults, and is kind enough to think her kids are the greatest.
A loving mother tries not to resent her children for being free like she used to be, and she doesn't brag about how she never talked to her mom that way.
Real love considers a childish nightmare more urgent than her need for sleep; is not shattered by the title "Meanest Mom"; doesn't shame a toddler who breaks training or a teen who still spills milk; steadfastly refuses to entertain visions of escape; and does not smirk as her child trips over the toy he refused to put away (but with silent wisdom rejoices in the effective lessons of experience).
Mother love has arms strong from lifting, a heart large with believing,
a mind stretched with hoping, shoulders soft with enduring and knees bent with committing. True mother-love never fails to point her child to the Author of Love.
These encouraging thoughts are via sweet Bobbi at MomE & Loving It.
(Go say Hi!)
Related
• Take a minute to check out Susan L. Lenzkes' book, When the Handwriting on the Wall is Brown Crayon: Encouraging Devotions for Busy Homemakers.• Also, join Barbara H. at Stray Thoughts for her Monday meme, The Week in Words.
• Make new bloggy friends through the popular Carnival of Homeschooling.
Photo: Jason & Alyssa DeRusha (Flickr)
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10 Comments:
This is one of my favorites...and a good reminder to me. I tend to be organized and efficient...but not always so gentle and patient...and er, loving! Thanks...the kiddo in the picture is a cutie too!
Hats off to all Moms who are chosen by God to affect a little life! Blessings on you all x
I have never seen quite this version -- very convicting!
P.S. -- I didn't see this linked up so I added it so others could see it. Thanks for participating!
Encouraging words. It's either about love or nothing. Thanks for passing this along.
Loved this!!
Good words!!! I had to laugh my husband wrote a song called "Take that thing away from him!" about writing on the wall...this was before we had kids!
Bobbi, Shelley, BarbaraH, Lisa, Faith & JanetteThanks for visiting today my sweet friends!
Are you sure I can't entertain thoughts of escaping . . . just every now and then? I'll come back -- Scouts honor. ;)
Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed it, even though a couple of thoughts were a bit convicting . . .
I agree about the mother's lovie- to infinity and beyond. Glad you shared this today, I needed it.
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