Wednesday, November 8, 2017

A PARENT'S PRAYER

(A photo I have shared before.  I thought these sweet children would be a perfect fit for the Parents Prayer below.)



"Help me give my children the best...
not of trappings or toys, but of myself, cherishing them on good days and bad days, theirs and mine.

Teach me to accept them for who they are, not for what they do; 

To listen to what they say, if only so they will listen to me.

To encourage their goals, not mine, 
and please, let me laugh with them and be silly.

Let me give them a home where respect is the cornerstone, integrity the foundation, and there is enough happiness to raise the roof.

May I give them the courage to be true to themselves, the independence to take good care of themselves, and the faith to believe in a power much greater than their own.

See that I discipline my children without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting my own, and let them know they have limitless love no matter what they do.

Let me feed them properly, clothe them adequately and have enough to give them a small allowance, not for the work they do but for the pleasure they bring.

And let me be moderate in all things, so that the joy of getting will help them discover the joy of giving.

See that their responsibilities are real, but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not overwhelming, and that my thanks and praise are thoughtful, and given when they are due.

Help me teach them that excellence is its own reward and not the glory it brings.

But when it comes...and it will...let me revel in each honor, however small, without once pretending that it's mine.  My children are glories enough.

Above all let me ground these children so well, that I can dare to let them go."

~Author Unknown~



(If you would like to see where I got this photo from, it is amongst all the posts from the Scottish Festival in Virginia.  We attended the festival in September 2009, and to see all the posts I shared of that day, you can click on this link.  Long time blogging friends may remember them, but will hopefully enjoy them again.  It was an amazing day spent with good friends.) 



29 comments:

  1. I love this poem, and it is truly something that every mom should strive for. I would have loved to go to that Scottish Festival. I used to go to the Black Watch Parade and Picnic (Scottish tradition) with my great grandfather. That dog wearing a kilt is so cute!

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    1. Thanks Ginny, I agree completely. I would have enjoyed seeing the Black Watch Parade.

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  2. The poem took me back a long way. Oh to be a young Mum again.

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  3. Sweet photo and a beautiful prayer!

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    1. Thank you Francisco, a hug and a good week to you too:)

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  5. goodness, a picture is worth a thousand word!!! the prayer is so nice but WOW!!! that picture, i just LOVE it...children, so innocent, so loving!!!

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    1. It is one of my favorite photos Debbie and I am so happy you love it.

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  6. The world would be better off if this was followed.

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  7. Hi Denise,
    What a beautiful image, it made me think of poor Helma, such beautiful words also.
    All the best, John

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    1. Thank you John, all the best to you, and also to Helma.

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  8. I needed this poem 52 years ago, to late now. hope others read it and follow it.. the children are adorable

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    1. Hi Sandra, a lot of us probably feel the same way :)

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  9. Beautiful words. Enjoy your day Diane

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  10. That photo is wonderful and so are the words.

    All the best Jan

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