The prayers of a mother

I have observed the following difference between older mothers and younger mothers.  Of course, this is not EVERY mother, but I have found it pretty consistent.  As young mothers, we often feel that there is some remedy out there to all the different concerns we carry on our hearts pertaining to each child.  We just know it is the right friend, right club, right sport, right family, right school, right curriculum,  right this or that.  Right?  We just know that if we read the right book or hear the right speaker, we were certainly find the answer to perfect parenting and then all our children will turn out splendidly well.

Older mothers don't do that.  I have observed with all the older mothers I know, I deep prayer life and a sincere resignation that God is the right answer.  They have run the race of trying to find the right solution only to usually realize that our hope is in God and His grace.  They have exhausted what we younger mothers are trying to do and it appears with last resort to finally give EVERYTHING over to God.

I think to myself often, "Hey Lindsay.  Learn the lesson."  Why should I run all those races when I know what the answer is?  I know it is a process.  It is a process that I am working on slowly as I still think "THE" answer is out there somewhere.

I was speaking with my friend Corrine this past summer about our children.  She shared with me a beautiful story about a family she knew.  The family had multiple religious vocations so immediately I asked her about their family life.  Corrine told me one thing she remembered in particular. She remembered their mother praying over each child any time they left the home.  I found this so endearing for so many reasons.  We are raising them to go out into the world and share the gospel.  Ironically, I found this prayer in my Magnificat shortly after we talked.  I cut it out and laminated the page.  We have it hanging by our back door and I pray this over each child as they leave our home.  I thought the kids might find this silly or embarrassing until one time when Dominic was leaving the house, he said "Mom, you haven't prayed over me."

Strong and faithful God, 
Keep our son/daughter safe from injury and harm and make him/her a blessing to all he/she meets today.  Amen.

I have enjoyed this prayer also.

Dear Lord,
Help me to focus more on WHO this child is and NOT what this child does. Help me to Remember we are growing a person, not fixing a problem.

 The St. Joseph 30-day novena begins today also!  I have prayed this novena so many times in my life and St. Joseph never lets you down.  I am certain my mother is his favorite.  She loves him so much so I know he listens to all her prayers and takes them to Our Good Lord.  If you have any intentions, I would be glad to add them to our list.  Please email me at lindsayboever@hotmail.com.  Thank you.

 Kapaun-5 months old.