Shari's Sentiments

I thought for this post that I might just share some thoughts and two poems for Mother’s Day.

It seems that no matter where you are in life, or where you’ve been or where you are going – someone has graced your life like a mother should. Mother’s Day is hard for many people – who have lost a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, child, friend and so on. Many people have strained relationships with their mothers and grandmothers and this day, just like Christmas, makes it hard to cope.

This past winter, during our Captivating study, Proverbs 31 came up and we all agreed that the mother and woman in that passage had tough shoes to fill. We also wondered if there was really a woman out there like that. At times the one and only thing that we have left to rely on is our faith, hope and Love. We are blessed to have all three of these bestowed on us by our loving Creator and Father God. He knows how hard our days have become and He knows when we just can’t take it anymore, he knows just how we feel. Our God and loving parent is there and wants to comfort us when we need Him most. Have no fear, doubt or hopelessness this Mother’s Day, your Heavenly Father is here for you sweet child.

One great poem that I would like to share with you, was given to me and all the staff at on eof my previous jobs – I shared it with my staff and teachers one Mother’s Day week:

A Woman of Strength
A strong woman works out every day to keep her body shape.But a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything…
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear…

A strong woman won’t let anyone get the best of her…
But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone…

A strong woman walks sure-footedly…
But a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls…

A strong woman wears a look of confidence on her face…
But a woman of strength wears grace…

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey…
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints on your heart.

The second poem is one that I heard in church many years ago and I saved it. It always made me think to watch how I approached each day with my students. I think it speaks to all of us about true intentions and love. No matter who you come across and how you are feeling always take that deep breath ~ yes, breathe~ before spouting out words that you can never take back. Leave only good impressions on your children’s hearts and appreciate their unconditional love and innocence.

Handwriting on the Wall 

A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.

“While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It’s on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you’d be mad at having to do it again.

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
“Where is your little brother right now?”
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear–he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, “I love Mommy,” surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall

— Author Unknown

May all of you mothers, daughters and woman out there be blessed this Mother’s Day!