Keeping the Faith #2...to Mothers

We live by faith for things we cannot see

God, help us then to do the best we can

How soon this little child upon our knee

Will grow to be a woman or a man

The laud-less toil of moments we employ

Will never fill the walls and halls of fame

But for a precious little girl or boy

We wear and bear a very special name

Mother

We live by faith; the faith of patient love

In offerings that may seem rather trite

Stirred, folded, wiped, polished, shook out and scrubbed

Then repeated from morning until night

Just to feel soft arms embrace our necks

Or hear their laughter lilting and carefree

Because they know who watches out for them

And loves them fully and most tenderly

Mother

We live by faith; for sight is kind and cruel

Love’s imperfections drive us to our knees

And motherhood can be a startling school

Of heart and hand and mind perplexities

But, just as God is faithful to our need

We kiss and scold and hold them when they fall

Trusting God for the increase in a seed

We listen just to hear their voices call

Mother

We live by faith; despair would claim our smile

If sight alone would be our little hope

For motherhood can be a thankless mile

Without the faith in One who helps us cope

Gladly we suffer love’s tender-sweet pain

Its recompense intangible, yet true

We laugh and weep and pray again, again

Just to hear them say, I love you too,

Mother

© Janet Martin