Summer has been luxurious, like a cat's long, languorous stretch in a warm sunbeam.
Alas, however, I am the mother of six Lilliputians, all but one in
single digit ages and several still in diapers. Now, as we begin the
homeschool year, I find myself feeling that initial shock of jumping
into a cool pool and feeling the water close over my head. With that
last quick intake of breath, and before the panic of lack of air sets
in, I push upward immediately through the chilly depths toward air and
light, gasping deeply like a landed fish when my head breaks the
surface. And I realize I will survive homeschooling!
It is both a challenge and a privilege to homeschool one's
children, and I remind myself often of that on good days and bad. Toward
that end, I'd love to share with you a prayer, which I partially
composed and keep visible on my teacher desk. I hope it brings you
inspiration, solace, courage, and joy....especially on days when you'd
rather be throwing a vase at the wall!
"Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high
vocation and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it
by giving way to coldness, unkindness, or impatience." (1) As I respond
to my children's repeated needs just one more time, fill the depths of
my heart with Your Loving Concern and instill on my tongue the Wisdom of
Your Words. Transform my tiredness, frustration, and anger into Your
Joy, Compassion, and Love.
Sweetest Lord, "I want to do what you ask of me, in the way you
ask, for as long as you ask, because you ask it." (2) Help me believe I
can do what you ask me to do. Forgive me for the times when I fail.
Strengthen me to rise and reach for Your Hand when I fall. Give me joy
in attending to my Little Ones. As I embrace each of them, graciously
infuse my anxious soul with the same quiet, peace, and surety of Your
Holy Mother's Loving Embrace.
Sweetest Lord, let my feeble limitations as a parent dissipate and
be swept away by your Almighty strength. Grant me the grace to live a
long life of loving fidelity and generous surrender to You, through the
gentle care of my children.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I Place My Trust in You!
Amen.
1 - Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
2 - Pope Clement XI
"....never tire of doing what is right." (2 Thessalonians 3:13 )
"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." (2 Corinthians 4:1)
