What will they see?

Infant of mine,

What will you see,

As I wash your skin and change your clothes?

Eyes that are focused on the next task, or eyes filled with the wonder of you?

 

Toddler of mine,

What will you see,

As my head bends over yours and we brush your teeth?

Will you see a mouth turned down, a brow furrowed with thought,

Or a quick smile, just for you?

 

Little boys of mine,

What will you hear?

Words that seep with tiredness and frustration,

Or encouragement that you really can be the good boys

You want to be?

 

Daughters of mine,

What will you learn?

That mothering is a chore, a burden, a list,

Or a fulfilling, joyful job, worthy of your life’s attention?

 

Strapping sons of mine,

What will you observe?

A woman eager to control, to keep you under her thumb,

Or a mentor eager to disciple by example, a helping hand?

 

Husband of mine,

What will you find?

A spirit that is hard to please, a distant soul,

Or warm arms to welcome you as you walk in the door?

It is humbling, frightening of sorts, to realize that I create the majority of the memories that my family will carry with them regarding home. How have I framed that memory for each individual? Will their childhood have been filled with one of love and warmth, or of mommy simply “doing her job?” Will their adolescent years be full of good times, or will they be years of bad recollections? Will they grow up to desire a family for themselves, or will they believe that the cost of a child is much too high in terms of time, work, and finances? And my husband, if I were to be called home tomorrow, what would his memories of me be?

Have I, through the help of the Holy Spirit, given my best for these I love?

Isn’t it good to know that we do not walk this path alone?

His mercies are new every morning!

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning… (Lamentations 3:23-24 RSV)