Remembering how a cooling hand
refreshed a feverish brow…
Remembering , too, encouraging words
when confidence escaped, somehow…
Receiving praise for some small thing…
I’ve felt the warmth of mothering.
Remembering sacrifices made
without twinge of regret…
Remembering treats laid out for friends
who with a welcome smile were met…
Receiving joyful songs to sing…
I’ve felt the strength of mothering.
Remembering asking for God’s love
to carry me through troubled days…
Remembering wondering how to teach
both mind and hearts in helpful ways…
Receiving help from prayers I bring…
I’ve known God’s kind of mothering.
Remembering so much to be done, –
Always seeming on the go…
Remembering joy when things went right
when thankful hearts would sometimes show…
Receiving songs of praise to sing…
I’ve known God’s help in mothering.
Janet Townsend Stroup is a member of the Lakeview Church of the Brethren in Brethren, Michigan. She has written the “Simply Brethren” column for the county newspaper for over 20 years.