This is My Prayer

Last night while I was in bed trying to fall asleep I thought about the past several days (actually weeks, if I'm being honest) and this was my prayer.

Please help me to listen to my kids and really hear them.  To appreciate their wonder and imagination of the world.  To take the extra minute to hear Hope's story about our door being a cave instead of rushing her out because I'm in a hurry and we're running late, again.

Please help me to let go of bedtime struggles.  Help me to put the computer down when Hope gets up from bed for the hundredth time instead of getting angry because after they're tucked in is supposed to be 'my time'.  Instead let me take her back to bed and help her calm her body so that she can find a restful sleep.

Please help me to stay patient and use a quiet voice.  When the girls are having a screaming match, please help me to find my soothing voice and deal with their issues calmly instead of being another screaming voice that results in one, if not all, of us in tears.

Please help me to smile more and laugh with them.  To be okay with the mess in the living room and basement and kitchen because they are playing and having fun and maybe just want me to join in.  Please help me join in.

Please help me remember that they are two and four and such big girls.  But also that they are only two and four and my expectations can be high, just not unrealistic.

Please help me start and end each day with a patient heart, a positive mind, and a passionate soul.  Help me to be the kind of mother I want to be, the kind of mother my kids need me to be.

And if I fail at any or all of these things, please help me to forgive myself and try again.  To always always try again.

Amen.

xoxo.
Christine