For Mothers (Mother's Day) II

I wrote this more exhaustive, more traditional blessing to be read 

out loud in our church--but feel free to use it however you'd like.

__
Mother,

To you who bring great delight to your children--may you feel the joy of One who delights in you.

To you who carried your babies in the quiet space of yourself, who spent a small eternity feeding, waking, and holding--may you be carried, fed, and held today by the love of your community. 

To you who nurture your children, who feed them day after day out of your abundance even when you feel you have little to offer—may your soul be nurtured greatly with the finest food and the finest wine.

To you who named your children, who brought them into being—may you remember your true name: Beloved, One in Whom I Delight.

To you who create much out of little, who surround your children with goodness—may you find your gifts multiplied in abundance.

To you who worry in dark hours, who plead for your children, for innocence and protection and good lives--may your prayers be answered.  May you know your children are loved even beyond your own understanding.

To you who strive to instill excellence and kindness, perseverance and honesty, courage and grace—may you be filled with peace.  May you trust that every prayer, every word, every action, is never wasted.

To you who wander in the abyss of loss and disappointment--may you find comfort.  May your cup be filled again, and running over.  May you hear a voice in the darkness, calling you by name.

To you who must parent alone--may you find great strength, patience and perseverance.  May your children be surrounded by many who love and guide, who hold them close.  And may you receive great grace and sustenance every step of the way.

To you who miss your mother, who wake in the night feeling her absence--may you find quiet space for gratitude and remembrance.  May you remember tenderness, goodness and courage, and may this be the legacy you hand down to your children.

To you who must let go of your children, who must ease your clasp so that they may grow into strong, independent adults--may your letting go be gentle. May the new chapters of your life be abundantly full.  May your children’s journeys lead them often back to your door, and may your arms always be open to receive them, just as they come.  May your spirit recognize that this is how God loves us: with great mercy, freedom, and love.

To all of you who mother, who nurture, who build goodness out of creativity and the toil of your own hands, may you open your arms to receive this blessing, the blessing of God, our gracious parent, who has shown us what true love is.  May you experience the freedom of that love.  And may you be strengthened in your journey.