A prayer today for mothers.....

Today, i said many prayers for mothers....

I said a special prayer for my own mother who has put up with me - who was an incredibly outgoing busy opinionated sometimes difficult child. I said a prayer thanking God for giving me this mother and none other, knowing that we would have a special bond, and that she would have the strength to put up with 4 crazy kids! I said a prayer for my mother that she would continue to do a good job being a mother and a grandmother and that God would encourage her in this role.

I said a prayer of gratitude for the many other women who have influenced my life--who encouraged me and loved me - for my grandmothers, for my aunts, for my friends' mothers, sunday school teachers, mentors, etc. whom have all pointed me to Christ in some way.....what a blessing to have them in my life as well.

I said a prayer for many of my friends who are new moms--- with infants and toddlers. I prayed that they would be encouraged in these young years when there are sleepless nights and temper tantrums and learning the word "NO" and screaming the word "NO". I prayed for patience and rest and renewed strength. I also prayed for the many good moments too-- the cuddling, and falling asleep in your arms and bedtime prayers and first steps -- I prayed the good fun times outweigh the stressful times. I prayed these women have a support system as they parent young children to love the Lord and grow into great men and women!

I said a prayer for all of those who have lost their moms, whom miss them dearly and can't cook them a meal today, or buy them a card or say I love you. I prayed there would be comfort and joy in their hearts as they remember the good times and that the Lord would help ease their pain.

I said a prayer for the kids waiting for moms to adopt them, that their wait would not be long and that they would soon go home to a loving home with a mother who kisses their booboos and helps them with homework and bakes them cookies.

I prayed for my sisters, neither having children yet, that the Lord would continue to shape them to be women who would love sacrificially as mothers, the way our mother loved us. I prayed my brother would find a wife who would be a good mother as well.

I prayed for the many women, myself included, who are waiting to become mothers in the future, some who are just not to that stage yet (me) and some who have patiently waited and tried for children for years. I prayed God would work miracles and bring families and continue to prepare these women to be mothers. I prayed he would assure them of his goodness and soverignty as they wait. I prayed he would give them hope.

I prayed for mothers who have lost children and the grief they must feel today. I prayed God would meet them where they were and quietly comfort them in their heartache. I prayed that the Lord would bless them with memories and moments of joy during what must be a very difficult day.

Thank you Lord for creating mothers. How much better our lives are for having them!! Bless them all today and the rest of the year.