So, I'm sure backed by the tragedy in CO, where a mother lost her young daughter yesterday, I am moved to begin my journey by examining and cherishing my most important and beloved journey thus far in life...the journey of motherhood.
Kahyim Kay Grace, or "Life's Pure Grace" in meaning, is just that, my saving grace.
Naturally I turn to one of my favorite books for inspiration, "No Greater Love - Being and Extraordinary Mom" by Loren Slocum.
Perfectly, the first two pages read:
"A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform."
and
"Birth, n. 1. The gift of creation. 2. The ultimate reflection of God's creative power. 3. The beginning of a magical journey."
Being wise. What a task...scary undertaking. I wonder how much of what I believe and know to be "wise" really is. I know that I'm promised if I ask for wisdom, God will grant it. I also know I have a long way to go. A section of this book that stood out to me is this:
" As mothers, we must trust the wisdom God has blessed us with in order to make decisions for ourselves and our children--decisions that feel right. Remember , the decisions you make may not always achieve your desired result, but no decision is wrong if you choose to learn something from it. What an extraordinary role model you will be for your child, if you approach life with this type of attitude. Your child will see a mother willing to make mistakes, but not willing to give up! Adopting a calm, determined, and sometimes daring approach to life is an excellent lesson for your children and possibly the wisest step you will ever take for yourself."
How true...it's so easy to get caught up in the garble of the "what's best for..." movement...reading every parenting book in the world wouldn't give me an ounce of the wisdom that God can, and has, instilled within my being. I need to tap into it. I need to trust him more...
And...what do you know..
I read further and find my first challenge/goal for "My Journey". The author expands on the importance of reflection, taking "the time to search and discover new ways to improve yourself, your child, and being a mother." She poses questions, "Mommy questions" for this purpose. There are ones for the morning, the evening and what she terms "Mommy problem-solving questions." Her idea is to post them somewhere I will see them everyday and take the time to: Ask each one to myself taking time to search my heart until I come up with an answer that is right for me, ask them consistently, get in the habit of using them. SO, here goes...what an awesome growth challenge. I think I will post the morning ones on the bathroom mirror, the evening ones alongside the wall by my bed and keep the problem solving ones with me.
Perhaps I'll take the time to post these inspiring questions later...for now I have bedtime books to read, a baby girl to tuck in, and "Mommy Questions" to list/post.
Goodnight, and in true "Kandice" fashion, I must exit with two amazing quotes:
"Other people in my life have helped my soul to sing a song...You, my child, have caused my heart to sing a symphony."
~ Donna Ringo
and my personal favorite of the evening:
"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
~ Rachel Carlson, The Sense of Wonder
