Dear Divine Presence, Universe, or any celestial being who might hear my pleas, unlike my children:
I find myself on my knees, seeking your support in the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Even though I might be tackling a mess of dried oatmeal stuck to the rug, please recognize that multitasking doesn’t diminish the sincerity of my request.
Grant me strength today—physical strength to carry my determined 4-year-old through a grocery store parking lot while she kicks and screams about needing that pony cookie to maintain her friendship. Help me find the emotional resilience to validate her feelings instead of succumbing to the urge to yell back in frustration.
In the midst of her tantrum, bless me with the ability to hold her flailing arms gently rather than reacting with anger. And when her roundhouse kick comes at my face, let me summon the calm needed to respond with love instead of retaliation.
I also ask for an abundance of patience—more than any caffeinated beverage could provide. Help me to endure the rocking, bouncing, nursing, and singing required to soothe my little one to sleep while battling my own exhaustion. When he finally drifts off on my tired, unshowered body, remind me to cherish those fleeting moments rather than wishing for a moment of peace.
Empathy is another gift I seek today, so I can appreciate the significance of my children’s requests, like needing their sandwiches cut into triangles instead of rectangles. Guide me to remember that I, too, change my mind frequently, though perhaps not with quite the same dramatic flair.
As one child dashes away in a parking lot, give me the grace to chase after them in my flip-flops, appreciating their spirited independence, even as my post-baby belly jiggles. And when I discover my son indulging in toilet paper retrieved from the commode, please help me keep my composure; I simply can’t handle any more clean-up, not even my own.
When my daughter chooses to dress herself in a whirlwind of sparkles and mismatched attire, grant me the wisdom to nurture her creativity while suppressing fears of her future as an eccentric teenager. I also seek the patience to answer every one of their 602 questions with kindness, recognizing that their curiosity is what makes them brilliant, even when it tests my sanity.
Instead of feeling inadequate in comparison to other “perfect” moms, may my inner voice remind me to speak kindly to myself, even as my outer voice exclaims, “Pick up your toys or they’re going in the trash!” And as one child chews on my face while another pretends to be a wild animal, please provide me with a glass of wine to ease my frazzled mind.
Help me diffuse their loud, excited shrieks with laughter rather than threats, especially when they shout “penis” in public. And when food makes its way from their mouths to the server’s shirt, help me remember that their manners are not a reflection of my parenting—they definitely inherited that from their father.
Speaking of him, dear Universe, fill my heart with love for my husband, allowing me to shower him with affection even when he complains about being tired after a full night’s sleep. And please let my libido soar when he finally wipes down the high chair for the second time in history.
As I gaze at my body, which has been transformed by motherhood, covered in under-eye circles and stretch marks, help me to appreciate the journey rather than resent the changes. I am grateful for the gifts of my children, who will one day care for me when I find myself in diapers again, and I truly wish to navigate this path with grace.
Amen.
For more on parenting and self-care, check out this post that offers insightful resources. If you’re interested in home insemination, this site has great tools. Additionally, Hopkins Medicine provides excellent information on infertility services and insemination.
Summary:
A heartfelt prayer from a mother seeking strength, patience, empathy, and love while navigating the challenges of parenthood. She reflects on the chaos, seeking grace in the face of everyday parenting struggles and cherishing the moments with her children.